Safe place to play (From Witney Gazette)

Safe place to play

9:00am Wednesday 11th October 2006 in Witney By Phil Vinter

THE future of a village playgroup has been secured thanks to the hard fundraising work of parents and Government grants.

Long Hanborough playgroup held a party to open a new building and play area, which ensures the group's future.

Surveyors said the building where the group had been housed would have to be condemned in two years, because it was covered in both dry and wet rot. So villagers rallied round to raise the £50,000 needed for the new building.

In less than two years, the community managed to raise £18,000 through fundraising schemes, and the remainder was raised through a combination of grants from Defra, West Oxfordshire District Council, the Oxfordshire Community Fund, and Oxfordshire County Council's Surestart - Awards For All scheme.

Playgroup manager, Sheila Muttram, opened the new building and play area, which includes a special safety surface and sandpit.

Claire Kirkham, who runs the charity group, said: "It will mean a lot for the village.

"It will mean the children have somewhere safe place to come to and play."