New Tean amenity is child's play for community partnership

Work has today (Monday 11 September) started on a new play area for a much loved open space in Upper Tean thanks to a successful partnership which has secured funding for the project.

The project, at land off Wentlows Road, is a partnership between Checkley Parish Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and is in response to the poor provision for play at the site which was highlighted by local residents.

The District Council had allocated funds secured from the development of land at the Douval Works in Tean for the new play area and secured a further £30,000 after making a successful bid for funding to the Derbyshire Environmental Trust. The Trust facilitated the grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.

Sutcliffe Play Ltd have been selected to supply and install the new equipment and are now on site.

Councillor Mike Bowen, cabinet member for leisure, sport and parks at the District Council, said: "This project is a terrific example of what we can achieve if we work together and it will make a real difference to this community. Accessing external funding, rather than just relying to traditional ways of doing things, can help deliver bigger and better schemes and fantastic improvements to our parks and open spaces.

"It's good to see work now starting on site and I look forward to coming back again to see the finished scheme."

Councillor Peter Wilkinson, Chairman of the Parish Council, added; "This is great news for Upper Tean - it shows the ongoing commitment of both councils to the young people of the parish.

"It has been possible thanks to the great partnership we've formed and I'd like to thank Councillor Colin Pearce, who has championed the project from the start, and officers at the District Council for their enthusiasm and dedication."

Councillor Pearce said he had been pleased to be involved in such a positive project and, on behalf of the parish council, added: "I'd like to thank the team from the District Council, Derbyshire Environmental Trust, Tarmac and Tesco for their support.

"Finally, a big thank you to all the councillors and clerk from Checkley Parish Council. It has been a real team effort and their support has been tremendous."

Nick Atkins, Estates Manager at Tarmac, said: "Tarmac has operated nearby Croxden Quarry for many years and we're delighted to be donating to this project which will bring a number of benefits to the local community.

"Engaging with the communities in which we operate is something we strive to do across the whole of our business and this is a great opportunity to give back."