A COMMUNITY play area will be installing some brand-new equipment after receiving a funding boost of close to £10,000.

The Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Garden off Gundry Road has been awarded £9,896 from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.

The funding will go towards the purchase and installation of a ‘Viking swinger’ for the children who frequent the play area to enjoy.

Siobhan Dashwood, committee member of the play area, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to receive this funding and be able to grow this project.

“It’s been a bit of a battle during the pandemic and we’ve been putting a lot of work into the play area and it’s really nice to see it moving forward.

“It’s great that people within the community can see the project grow. It’s all about bringing the community together to improve and enhance our surroundings.”

A Viking swinger is a long wooden swing which can typically hold up to 12 children.

The Lower Walditch Play Area opened in July 2020 and appears to have gone down well within the community.

The committee has been listening to the feedback from local residents and say they have been very satisfied with what they have heard.

Siobhan said: “All the feedback we’ve had has been so positive – there was originally some reservations from residents but now they all seem very happy.

“The feedback we have received is all about how people’s wellbeing has been enhanced and how much everyone has enjoyed the area.”

The play area has also received some local support, with the Rotary Club of Brit Valley funding a picnic table for the area, and the Rotary Club of Bridport providing funds for seating in the area.

If you are interested in supporting the work of the committee or have any ideas, skills or contacts which you think could benefit them, the members would love to hear from you.

To contact the members of the committee, email playareaandorchard@gmail.com.