New play area opens in village

Catsfield Parish Council announced the official opening of the newly equipped play area at the village playing field on January 10.

The opening was attended by members of the parish council, Cllr Tony Ganly from Rother District Council, Police Community Support Officer Daryl Holter, Terry Housden from Fields in Trust, governors, staff and children from Catsfield Primary School, staff, parents and children from Catsfield Under Fives Pre-School and local parents.

The parish council began the project back in September 2012, with the help of Catsfield dad Scott Lavocah.

The aim of the project was to replace the existing outdated equipment and provide an enjoyable area for children up to 11 to develop their agility in a safe environment.

Ali Norwood, a parent at Catsfield School, started the ball rolling by providing a ‘wish list’ of equipment, compiled following a survey of the school’s pupils.

This ‘wish list’ was used to invite play equipment suppliers to provide a quote for the design, supply and installation of the equipment.

Playdale Playgrounds Limited was granted the contract with landscaping provided by Scott Hardy Landscapes, JW Landscaping and Sargents Turf Growers.

The scheme cost just over £45,000, with £25,000 provided by Rother District Council’s Community Grant Scheme.

The balance came from reserves built up by Catsfield Parish Council.

A donation of £200 from the Sussex Police Property Act Fund was received from PCSO Daryl Holter towards replacing the fencing around the play area, which is due to be completed soon.