Kingston Blount to upgrade play area with new grant

Persimmon Homes, a house builder, donated £6,000 to the play area after receiving an application through their Community Champions grant scheme.

Fundraisers have been working with the parish council to raise £50,000 to replace play equipment next to the village hall in Baker’s Piece.

The grant will not only bring the village close to their fundraising target, but it will also allow them to order the new equipment which will be ready for installation later this year.

Laura Purse, a member of the Kingston Blount Fundraising Committee, said: “Our existing playground is over 25 years old and in a state of disrepair. Our project therefore is to refurbish this much-loved, well-used village playground in the heart of our community.

“We will be replacing damaged equipment, restoring other items and incorporating brand new equipment that will help to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of the facility as well as extending the age range of the play area.”

Helen Birks, parish councillor, said: “This is the only play facility in the parish and the committee has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to fundraise for this much-needed refurbishment.

“We are very grateful to Persimmon for the Community Champions funding, which will help significantly towards these refurbishments.

“This area is very special to everyone in the village, particularly small children, and they deserve to have play equipment that is safe, engaging and stimulating.”

Lee Farmer, land director at Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said once the work is complete, the area can be a hub again for the village and those living in the surrounding area.

Cllr Ali Gordon-Creed, who represents Chinnor on the South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Thank you to Persimmon for the generous grant made to the Kingston Blount playground project, this would not have happened without their support.

"This is something that will benefit the whole community and we are most grateful.”