08 February 2012Young people who use a popular play area in Edenbridge will benefit from £40,000 worth of improvements to the Pen Playground in the Spitals Cross Estate.
The improvements, which include fresh even tarmac, a new fence for the safety of those using the ball court and new football goals and basketball nets, are underway and should be finished in time for the Easter holidays. Sevenoaks District Council and Edenbridge Town Council are funding the refurbishment by sharing the cost, each contributing £20,000.
Sevenoaks District Council received a request from a local resident in May 2008 to increase the height of the fence to stop balls from going into the road. A survey was distributed to all neighbouring residents, asking residents if they wanted to see the fence height increased at the eastern end and the consensus was yes. The project was then included in Sevenoaks District Council's play area improvement programme.
The Edenbridge Outdoor Working Group made up of local young people, Edenbridge Councillors and Officers from Sevenoaks District Council and Edenbridge Town Council worked together to develop the project following a report from the Edenbridge Youth Forum in the summer 2008.
A planning application was submitted to Sevenoaks District Council in December 2009 which was approved and works were ordered in February 2010.
Cllr Avril Hunter Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for playgrounds, says: "When the works are finished, residents in Edenbridge can expect to see significant improvements to the site of the old ball court. What's more, local children will have the opportunity to enjoy new play equipment when it's installed."
Cllr Terri Scanes Chairman of Edenbridge Town Council, adds: "It is always exciting when a project comes together and the young people have taken the lead in improving the facilities for themselves and for future generations."
