Prepare to play!
That’s the message to children and young people in Atherton who will soon have a top-notch new set of swings and roundabouts to call their very own.
For the past 18 months the Vulcan Foundry field, close to Leighton Street, has been without its familiar play area.
The well-used and much-loved facility was put out of action when United Utilities had to complete some essential engineering works in the area of the field.
But there was always the promise that play would return.
And now thanks to the Atherton Township Forum, Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust (WLCT) that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
WLCT Play and Early Years Manager Debbie Freeman explains:
“Losing the play area for such a long time was unavoidable because of the work that had to take place.
“However the township forum made contact with United Utilities to ensure that funding would be available to replace the play area once the work had finished.”
Debbie and her team have worked with children from the area to design and create a brand-new and exciting play area on the site, which represents an investment of more than £50,000.
The new play area will be launched in style on Friday August 28, from 1pm onwards when Mayor of Wigan Cllr Mark Aldred will officially open it.
There will be plenty of activities including a fun session with WLCT’s Playin’ Out team.
Speaking on behalf of the township forum, Atherleigh Councillor and Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for Children Susan Loudon says:
“We knew the children would really miss this facility when the work had to be done so we had to make sure we would get something back.
“Everyone involved in the project has been really helpful and the new play area looks fantastic. We’re sure it will be really well-used.”
