NEW children's playgrounds have been built in Ewell as part of a £1.2m project aimed at improving local neighbourhoods.

The play areas at Colne Court and Wey Court, in Watersedge, West Ewell, were built as part of Rosebery Housing Association’s ‘Making a Difference’ project.

Opening the playgrounds, Councillor Jan Mason said: “This is exactly what was needed and I’m so pleased Rosebery has done it. I’ve wanted new play areas for years but we’ve never had the funding.

"When I heard this was happening I was thrilled and I’m sure it will make a difference to the young families living here. The residents can now become a real community and look out for one another.

"The Making a Difference project is the best thing Rosebery has done, because it means people have something tangible and they’ll see Rosebery as doing positive things for them.”

Rosebery held a consultation event in Watersedge during the summer to find out what sort of play equipment the children wanted to have.

 One idea came from nine-year-old resident Ronnie Howes, who asked for hopscotch, and this was incorporated into the designs along with a pirate ship and swings.

The new playground at Colne Court has soft flooring and pirate-themed equipment, with a ‘Watersedge’ pattern running through it.

At Wey Court, wooden ledges and balance beams create an area for older children to enjoy, and it is hoped the new play areas will help residents feel proud of where they live and develop a stronger sense of community.

Steve Whitehouse, a Rosebery resident from Mole Court, explained the new parks would make a huge difference and provide a safe place for the children to play in.

He said: “It’s wonderful that parents of Watersedge now have a good quality and safe place for their children to play.

"I’m delighted that Rosebery talked to their residents and realised that the area needed a new playground. I know my children will use it a lot."

Deborah Pike, chief executive of Rosebery, said she hoped the new play areas would give the neighbourhood a new lease of life.

She said: “Rosebery is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which we work.

"We understand how important it is for our younger residents to have somewhere to enjoy and we’re confident that the new play areas will help rejuvenate the neighbourhood”.

Article from Angela brooks at getsurrey