The Wentlows now open for play

Families and young people in Upper Tean now have an exciting new play area on their doorstep thanks to successful partnership working between the community and two local councils.

The site, at The Wentlows, had historically been used as a football and cricket pitch after Checkley Parish Council bought the land to provide a recreation ground after the Second World War. But little else had been provided and local residents highlighted the opportunity to invest in leisure and activity amenities for the village's young people.

In response, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Checkley Parish Council teamed up to secure external funding from The Derbyshire Environmental Trust, who facilitated a grant of £30,000 from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, to add to funds obtained by the District Council from the development of land at the Douval Works in Tean.

Following a five-week project to install the new equipment, the play area was officially opened last week and councillors joined the local community to celebrate.

Councillor Mike Bowen, cabinet member for leisure, sport and parks at the District Council, said: "It's great to see residents here enjoying these fantastic new facilities and it goes to show what's possible when we're all working for the same outcome.

"I'm particularly pleased that what we have been able to provide in Upper Tean is exactly what the community told us they needed and I know that they and their families will enjoy having fun and making memories at The Wentlows for years and years to come."

Councillor Peter Wilkinson, Chairman of the Parish Council, added: "This latest investment underlines our commitment to providing extra facilities for young people of all ages in the parish.

"We undertook a consultation of the local neighbourhood which highlighted what was required and managed to secure funding from various sources to make the project possible. It has been a real team effort and shows what can be achieved when various stakeholders work together."

Nick Atkins, Estates Manager at Tarmac, said: "We've been a part of the local community for many years at Croxden Quarry so we were delighted to be able to give something back by contributing to this play area which was something the community really wanted."