ALTON TOWN COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE
13/02/2016
New look play area set to be unveiled
It is a case of out with the old and in with the new in Alton’s Greenfields area, as a brand new
play area is set to replace an older facility nearby in Northanger Close.
The exciting new attraction has been taking shape in recent weeks a few yards to the north west of
the original site, which was over ten years old and starting to look tired. Sited within yards of
houses, the old site did cause some problems for nearby residents; the new site is further away
from houses yet still benefits from the all-important natural surveillance from over-looking
windows.
Reached by a new pathway, the equipment is arranged within an attractive circular fence, and
includes swings, roundabouts, climbing frames and seating, plus an eye-catching polished
stainless steel ball mirror. Whilst the equipment within the fence is intended for children aged 8
and under, older children have not been forgotten either. A large teenage swing, plus two other
challenging features have been installed close by so that all ages and tastes are catered for.
The design for the play area was chosen by the public at an exhibition of options displayed on site
last October by Alton Town Council. The project has cost £73,253, which has been met by
Developers’ Contributions acquired for the improvement of open spaces, released by East
Hampshire District Council. The project includes the removal of the old equipment, which will be
replaced by grass and trees.
Councillor Pam Bradford, who chairs the council’s Recreation Committee, said “Unveiling new
play equipment is always very exciting, for councillors as well as children, but having a brand
new play area is even better! Much thought and planning has gone into this, and we really do
hope that youngsters in the area will find it challenging and exciting and with the long summer
holidays just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.”
Alton’s Town Mayor, Councillor Allan Chick, who is also a local resident, will be officially
opening the new facility on Friday 19th June at 4pm, when he will be handing out sweets to
children of all ages to help celebrate the occasion.
The Council has an ongoing programme of playground improvements, having upgraded safety
surfaces and installed new equipment at Anstey Park, Holybourne and the Public Gardens in
recent years. A more substantial revamp of the fenced play area in the Public Gardens is likely to
be next on the list to be looked at by the council.
Ends
Town Hall, Market Square, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HD
Telephone: 01420 83986 Fax: 01420 542490
Email: info@alton.gov.uk Web site: www.alton.gov.uk
Media contact: Greg Burt 01420 83986 greg@alton.gov.uk
Town Hall, Market Square, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HD
Telephone: 01420 83986 Fax: 01420 542490
Email: info@alton.gov.uk Web site: www.alton.gov.uk