Commuted Sums help refurbish a play area in Swanland

Swanland Playing Fields Association have been awarded £91,147.13 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of Commuted Sums from local housing developments to refurbish the play area on the playing fields. Swanland Parish Council will also be contributing £9,873.60 towards the £98,736 project.

The improvement works will include two Cradle Swings, two Flat Swings, an Adventure Trail, a Wheelchair Access Roundabout, an inclusive Springer, a Daffodil Roundabout, an Alpha Multi Play Unit with Two Towers, ladders, a fireman pole and a slide and a Tri-Box Multi Play Unit with climbing frames and a slide. New fencing will also be installed to separate the play area from the car park.

Alan Smith, Swanland Playing Fields Association Chair, said: "The Swanland Playing Field Association (SPFA) administers the playing fields on behalf of the Parish Council, relying upon volunteers, self-generated funds and a relatively small grant from the Parish Council. 

“The play park is just one part of the activities available, but a very important part.  The cost of new equipment has been prohibitive and as a result much of the equipment is over ten years old.  This year alone, the repair costs for existing equipment amounted to over £20,000 which again was beyond the SPFA budget, meaning priorities would have to be made and some equipment even taken out of service. 

“The awarding of the Commuted Sums means a huge upgrade to the play park with new rides and amenities bringing it up to the 21^st century, a wonderful amenity for the people of Swanland and the surrounding areas.  The new equipment should be installed and ready for use in the Autumn.  The SPFA would like to thank Lea Anne Wright and her amazing team at the council for all their help and assistance in achieving the award."

Councillor Leo Hammond, portfolio holder for planning, communities and public protection, said: “Once again, Commuted Sums from local housing developments as a condition of their planning approval are making a real difference in Swanland. This play area will be transformed by these improvements, and its very pleasing that we have been able to facilitate them.”