Families’ delight at new play equipment

Children have new play equipment thanks to Newark and Sherwood Homes, the company that manages council properties across the district.

Cleveland Square Play Park on the Hawtonville estate, Newark, now has a basket swing, roundabout, climbing frame, mini-balance beam and a stepping stone trail.

After receiving feedback from nearby tenants, the housing provider decided to add the apparatus last month.

Mrs Katie Eddyshaw, tenancy officer for Newark and Sherwood Homes, said: “We work a lot on Hawntonville estate so we asked what the families wanted and many of the children said extra equipment on the park.

“Several of the young people I have spoken to have said it is really good and everyone seems to be enjoying it, which is great.”

It took Newark and Sherwood Homes three weeks to complete the installation work.

A resident, Miss Kelly Rice, said: “They have changed quite a lot at the park and made it better for the younger ones as they have now got a bit more to do.

“One of my children would come here 24/7 if she could.”

Her daughter C’an Henry, 4, said: “I really like it. The swing is my favourite bit.”

Another resident, Miss Leanne Meadows, who was at the park with her twins, said: “It is good. We come down quite a lot and the children love it.

“It is better now it is a bit bigger so there is more space for everyone.”

Rebecca Rance, chief executive of Newark and Sherwood Homes, said: “One of our main priorities is to listen to tenants’ views and we carefully take every comment on board to make sure we are providing the right support.

“All of our staff are committed to making a difference in local communities every day and it is great that everyone is able to enjoy the park.”