£24,000 to replace play equipment damaged by fire

Councillor Peter Winkler and Councillor Michael Holly at Caldershaw play area

A full set of replacement play equipment for the fire damaged children’s play area on Caldershaw Road has now been received and is awaiting installation by a specialist team.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/109370/arsonists-attack-play-area-in-norden

The Caldershaw play area was the recipient of £10,000 of funding via local councillors and the Norden ward fund, plus additional funds from Rochdale Council, less than two years ago, when the now damaged equipment was installed. The current project to replace the equipment will see a further £24,000 spent on the park.

Councillor Mike Holly said: “This is a popular play area with local families and residents were both upset and angry when it was destroyed by mindless vandals. Knowing how popular this play area is myself and Councillor Winkler quickly spoke to officers to secure funding for a replacement. We were delighted when they returned in just two days to say that they would be fully funding a new installation.”

Councillor Winkler added: “Unfortunately we have had to wait slightly longer than expected for the new equipment as this is not off-the-shelf stuff.

"The equipment had to be made to order but the great news is that we are now just waiting for the arrangements for a specialist team to install it. I know that lots of children are missing their playtime at the park, mine included, so I am in regular contact with the officer in charge of the project to ensure that we get the play area back as soon as we possibly can.”

Paul Ellison is also fundraising for additional new equipment, he said: “We’re raising £2,000 to help make the play area bigger and better, to fund extra equipment for all the local children and families to enjoy."