Newtown Play Area Improvement Project 2023 Update

Disley Parish Council (DPC) would like to update residents on the current situation regarding improvement works at the Newtown Play Area which, unfortunately, due to several delays and the recent hot weather have meant that the project is taking longer than expected.

A recent RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) report highlighted several concerns with the fencing and surfacing at the play area. In addition to this, we have had issues with dog owners using the area as a dog run and some leaving their dogs unsupervised to defecate within the play area.  DPC is also keen to create a more open space around the play area to allow for additional play equipment and picnic benches.

Residents will be aware that groundworks have recently been undertaken to remove the old fencing which previously enclosed the play area and to relandscape in order to remove the high step on the lower side and to returf and reseed the area.  Unfortunately, the recent prolonged period of hot and dry weather has meant that the new turf and seed is taking longer to establish than hoped.  The Council has kept the area well-watered, and it is now looking far greener and heathier.  During the period of the works, the grass could not be cut and the surface could not be strimmed but this has now been carried out and has been returned to its previous regular maintenance schedule.  Some patches of ground may require additional grass seed due to the recent hot conditions and residents are asked to please bear with us while this seed beds in.

The safety matting around the play equipment now provides a wider area of safety and allows the natural vegetation to grow through.

The Council has installed a new safety gate between the play area and the car park and the fencing to the sides of this will be extended and mesh-filled as soon as possible

Work on the project will continue over the next few months including installation of a picnic bench, cycle racks, new litter bins and additional signage.  It is hoped that the majority of this work will be completed by the start of the summer holidays. DPC will then review the area and consider what further works are required and what additional equipment can be considered.

The Parish Council apologises for any disruption that the work has caused and appreciates the patience of play area users while the work is being completed.

Cllr. Simon Brownbill

Chair of Disley Parish Council