CHILDREN in Middleton-in-Teesdale could be allowed back into their village play park as early as this week after a two-year wait.
The Wesley Terrace play area was closed in 2018 when the equipment was deemed unsafe.
A determined fundraising campaign by a group and parents and Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council proved successful and contractors set about installing new equipment last month.
Reporting back to the councillors during their latest meeting, parish clerk Judith Mashiter said: “Things are going to plan, the roundabout is about ready to go in, the foundation is in place for the toot-and-slide.
“They said two to three weeks on site and it is looking like it will be the end of next week, which will be the third week, that everything in place.”
She also confirmed the cash from grants from Teesdale Action Partnership and county councillors Ted Henderson and Richard Bell had been received.
Se added: “The final payment[to the contractors Sutcliffe Play] is made after the independent inspection report confirms that everything has been installed as per specification.
“Sutcliffe sign off to say everything has been done to the required health and safety standard.
“At that point the play park can be reopened.”
The council agreed that Cllr Bob Danby and other members who will be doing regular checks of the play park and the equipment should attend the independent inspection.
Cllr Danby said: “I like to pick their brains about what to look for. It is a bit of an education for me as well.”
The council also agreed that signage giving Covid-19 advice should be attached to the front gate.
Cllr John Miller said: “We can’t police it. We have got to open it as soon as we can with the appropriate signage to say people must be aware and then it is up to them.”
One of the rules is that no food is allowed to be taken into the play park.
Christine Gilbert, who represents the parish council on the play park group said it was disappointing that a grand opening could not be held until after the Covid-19 crisis is over.
She added: “There is a view that we want a picnic in the park, but that is out of the question – god forbid that we eat.
“So, I think it is matter of picking a time and a date when it is reasonable and doing something appropriate at that time.”
