Lady Hope Playpark
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Works to begin!
August 2021
The long awaited Lady Hope Playpark refurbishment works will begin mid September.
Redlynch Leisure will ensure that access to the playpark is restricted for the duration of the works. The hardcore required for the foundations of the safety matting will be delivered to the side of the playpark, off Common House Lane (to see the area please click here). The equipment, including diggers and excavators, will access the playpark via the double gates also from this area of Common House Lane. Any damage to the green will be made good at the end of the works.
The works will take place in three stages by three different teams. First the removal of the old equipment and ground preparation; second the installation of the new equipment and third the safety matting will be installed under the new and remaining equipment.
View the design.
The areal runway (zip-wire) will be installed at the same time on the upper green. It will run along the hedge of Common House Lane (here) where there is a natural slope.
Lady Hope Playpark will be officially re-opened at the Parish Council's Annual Assembly on Saturday 16th October. Please do save the date and come along. More information about the Annual Assembly will be published on the website in the coming weeks.
Borrowing Approval
July 2021
On 12th July the Ministry of Housings, Communities and Local Government confirmed:
I am directed by the Secretary of State to notify you that, in pursuance of his powers under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 1 to the Local Government Act 2003, the upgrading of the parish playpark is approved by him as a purpose for which Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council, “the Council”, may borrow an amount not exceeding £50,000.
The Parish Council is now in communication with Redlynch Leisure to finalise the dates for the works to begin. However, the start date will be in September so that the Playpark is not 'out of action' over the summer holiday period.
The exact dates and further information will be updated on this page in due course.
Loan application to be made
February 2021
At the full meetings of Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council on 13th January and 10th February 2021, it was RESOLVED to seek the approval of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government to apply for a Public Works Loan Board loan of £50,000 over the borrowing term of five (5) years to upgrade and renovate the Lady Hope Playpark. The annual loan repayments will come to around £10,000. It is not intended to increase the council tax precept for the purpose of the loan repayments. If you have any views or opinions you wish to feed in, please contact the Council direct.
We are pleased to announce that the Lady Hope Playpark will be undergoing an upgrade this spring!
January 2021
Last year, users of the playpark were asked to participate in an online public consultation. The Parish Council has listened carefully to the feedback in order to create an exciting new design! In addition to the new design, a zip-wire will be situated on the upper green, running in parallel to Common House Lane aside the hedgerow.
The majority of users requested a new multi activity unit, more swings and a zip-wire. A requirement for suitable safety surfacing around all equipment featured highly; as did the need to maintain grass in other areas in keeping with the village green setting.
On 13th January 2021 the Parish Council resolved to instruct Redlynch Leisure to undertake the works. Redlynch are one of the UK’s leading contractors for playground safety surfacing and outdoor play equipment.
The playpark will be closed to the public during the renovation works, which are likely to take 3 to 4 weeks to complete. Exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time - on this page, via Facebook, the Parish News and within public meetings.
Public Consultation Results and Analysis
June 2020
The Parish Council extends its thanks to the thirty-five (35) respondents who participated in the extended public consultation, which concluded on 15th May 2020.
Notice of the Consultation was published in The Parish News; on the Parish Council's website; posters around the community, including at the playpark itself; via Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School and the two Preschools, on social media and in the public minutes of full Parish Council meetings.
Cllr. Paul Jordan, Cllr. Sophie Capsey, Cllr. Jerusha Glavin and former Cllr. Jamie King-Wilson (2018 - 2020) make up the Lady Hope Playpark Steering Group (LHPSG) responsible for progressing this renovation project.
The LHPSG analysed the consultation results:
* The largest group of users are aged 3 – 5 years (62.50%); however, comments included requests to increase the age appeal of equipment.
* Frequency of use of the playpark is predominantly weekly, or monthly.
* 93.75% of respondents do not require disabled access or equipment.
* The most popular equipment requests were for more swings (61.76%), a zip-wire (79.41%), an improved multi-activity unit (67.65%) and additional seating and picnic tables (90.91%).
* Most respondents (65.63%) said they would like to see more safety play surfacing. However, comments were received requesting the playpark retain its natural look.
* The majority of respondents (82.35%) would like the Parish Council to investigate an extension to the lay-by, adjacent to the upper green, to provide improved parking.
The minutes of the LHPSG's meeting can be found here - (page 4, C/20/093 and Appendix D pages 10 & 11).
Public Consultation
13th January 2020
Do you use the Lady Hope playpark? Would you like to be a part of its new ‘look’? The Parish Council is considering upgrading the playpark and welcomes your input. Please complete the short (8 questions) and anonymous survey to provide your thoughts and comments to help steer decisions. We look forward to working with you to improve this facility for the benefit of the youngest members of our community.
If the public consultation box disappears, or is not present on this page you will need to close down the website fully and re-open, then select the Lady Hope Playpark page again. The Parish Council is working towards seamlessly integrating the consultation questionnaire into this page, however this process will take a few more days to complete.
The consultation will close on Monday 20th April 2020. This page will be regularly updated with information and progress on the project. Please contact the Clerk, Catherine Nutting, for more information clerk@plaistowandifold.org.uk
Essential Maintenance
January 2020
The playpark has recently been closed for essential maintenance to the fencing, ground condition and equipment. Due to the inclement weather the activity frame was unable to be painted. This will take place in due course and the playpark will be closed for a short period to allow the paint to dry. The Parish Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. The playpark will also be seeded in the spring; however there will be no associated closure.