Toddlers’ play area boost for Wirksworth

Less than two years after the creation of a £40,000 multi-use games area and zip line for older children, partnership funding has seen the addition of a separate play area for toddlers.

Wirksworth Town Council, Acclaim Housing Group, the Exton Trust and Gorsey Bank Residents’ Association have combined with Derbyshire Dales District Council to further enhance the popular attraction.

Chairman of the District of the Derbyshire Dales, Cllr Peter Slack, who cut the ribbon on the new toddlers’ play area, helped by local four year-old Elizabeth Ratcliffe, said: “It is good to see so many agencies working closely together to jointly invest in children’s play.

“The Residents’ Association deserve praise too for their support in each stage of the consultation. They advised on what local children wanted from this new initiative and we are proud that it is local parents and children who have, in effect, designed the new play area.”

Andy Pollock, chairman of Gorsey Bank Residents’ Association, said: “We are grateful to the district council for listening and delivering exactly what the community desired.”

Also attending the official opening was Wirksworth Mayor Cllr Ben Dew, who said: “The town council has been delighted to help the district council create a great asset for the whole town.”

In the summer of 2011, a cradle swing and multi-activity unit were among the attractions at the Gorsey Bank play area.