Newton Aycliffe residents can have their say on a potential new play area planned for the Cobblers Hall area.
It has long been recognised that there is a lack of quality play provision in the North-West area of the town.
This proposed development – which will entail a £150,000 renewal of the derelict play area south of Burn Lane (across from Carer’s Way) – has been under discussion for the past year.
Great Aycliffe Town Council has put aside £75,000 towards a possible scheme.
Durham County Council has offered a 99-year lease on the land and funding for the path, and there have been substantial contributions from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership, and from the three local County Councillors John Clare, Mike Dixon and Joan Gray.
Great Aycliffe Town Council have agreed to look after, insure and take on future liabilities for the site.
Subject to consultation, a broad initial proposal for the site design (see map) would be:
• Access from the current entrance, with a tarmac path across to the activities.
• Two activity items – a medium sized MUGA and a play area with inclusive equipment aimed at the 6-14 age group.
• To create gradually also a ‘decorative environmental’ park (not formal gardens).
There will be two stages of consultation. The first about general design, with a later second consultation about specific play items.
The first consultation has now gone live, and I would encourage people please to respond to the online questionnaire by clicking here.
Anybody can comment, but we are asking people to supply a postcode, so we know broadly where the comments are coming from.
People living immediately adjacent to the area will be asked personally, by letter from the Town Council.
