PARISH councillors in Marden took great pleasure in opening a revitalised play area in the village. The play area, which has been turned into a toddlers’ paradise, features a swing, slide, static train and toadstools that are sure to delight youngsters (and councillors!) The £32,000 cost has been funded by community money banked by developer Redrow, as a condition of permission for its Highwood Green estate, drawn down by the parish council. Marden Parish Council has also taken over the ownership of the Napoleon Drive Play Area from Wimpey Homes, which built The Cherry Orchard estate nearly 20 years ago. Parish council chairman Mrs Kate Tippen explained: “It was always intended that the parish council would take over the playarea, which was in need of upgrading, but we never had the finances to do it. This 106 money has now allowed us to do just that and we are now looking at other areas to invest the money.” The money could be accessed because the playarea adjoins village Playing Fields, which have been in line for a contribution from Redrow. Investigations are now underway looking at the possibility of installing a youth shelter on the playing field, a quieter sports’ wall and an outdoor adult gym. Cllr Tippen said: “We are getting quotes for these features, all of which the public will have a chance to comment on.”
The Napoleon Drive play area on the 20-year-old Marden Parish Council estate in Marden , Redrow has been revitalised by Marden Parish Council using a drawdown from £ 32,000 of section 106 funds from Highwood Green - community funds to be committed as a condition of permissions - for its Redrow estate. The play area qualified for funds as it adjoins playing fields that have been in line for a contribution from Redrow . Further installations for the playing fields are also being assessed. The parish council has taken ownership of the play area from Marden Parish Council .