Donnington Playing Field.

PLAYINGFIELD UPDATE Knowing that many of you are very supportive of our playing field and have actually been very successful with Neighbourhood Watch and the Police in reporting incidents this summer, I thought a brief update might be in order.

After all the vandalism, a number of problems now face us which we need to tackle.

From an initial study of the many Parish Plan questionnaires returned it is clear that there is a widespread wish for us to MAINTAIN, IMPROVE and ensure the SAFETY of the Playing field and its equipment (Chichester District has already removed the graffiti for us). Our other current concern is the insecure fence with former Little Chef. This is constantly being opened up, thus giving access to the A27. After many repairs at OUR cost I am pleased to say we now have Chichester District Council and the Police acting on our behalf To deal with these matters we are taking the following actions:

  • We have had the mosaic created with the help of local children to mark the establishment of the playing field restored.
  • In the immediate future we will be replacing the bark under the play equipment for very small children so as to ensure their safety.
  • In view of the poor performance of the current contractor we are employing a new contractor for grass cutting and maintenance.
  • As soon as practicable we will be replacing all the barked areas with a rubberised surface which will be safer and much easier to maintain.
  • We hope with funding from the District and County Councils, to erect a secure fence once and for all.
  • In line with ROSPA recommendations we will be updating or replacing some of the equipment.

For this, on-going general maintenance and other planned improvements we shall have to add several thousand pounds to our precept (the Parish element of our Council Tax) as we normally do each year.

We fully intend to improve and expand the facilities further, but you will appreciate, I am sure, our first priority is to make the field as safe and secure as possible. In the meantime we would ask parents to be aware of the relatively easy access to the A27 and supervise children accordingly.

We will keep you informed as matters progress. J RIDD Chairman Donnington Parish Council

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