Lovell Gardens and Stokes Avenue play areas in Watton opened

Amid much hilarity and memories of childhood, Watton Town Mayor, Councilor Paul Cooper, officially opened the two new Play Areas at Lovell Gardens and Bridle Road on Friday 22nd February by kicking a football into one of the goals on Lovell Gardens.

The Mayor explained that the play areas at Lovell Gardens and Bridle Road (off Stokes Avenue) had been in existence since the surrounding properties were built in the 1970’s and 1980’s and very little had been done with these areas and the play equipment in use was old and outdated apart from a couple of swings.

Funding of £66,781 came from a Section 106 agreement which is money paid by devlopers for amenities when new estates are built. The shortfall of £40,163.00 in total money required was given by Watton Town Council.

The final design was chosen by students at Wayland https://phenterminehclrx.com Academy with Wicksteed winning the contract. These are the second and third playgrounds in the town built by Wicksteed.

Councillor Elizabeth Gould, Breckland Council Executive Member for Planning and Environment Services said ‘The planning system allows us to secure money from developers through Section 106 agreements to fund projects like these. Breckland and Watton Town Council have worked together to make sure that developers’ funds were used in the way intended – to benefit the local community and provide new facilities for the town.

There have been times when a developer has claimed back 106 funding because it has not been used within the set period. We are delighted that Watton Town Council acted so promptly to put the money to work and provide these fantastic new play facilities for children in the town”.