Play area will not be sold - for now (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Play area will not be sold - for now

7:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A POPULAR play area will not be sold off while there is still the possibility of another being built nearby.

Brentwood Council has turned down an offer of £257,000 from developer Moody Homes for land covering the playground in St Peter’s Road, Brentwood.

The refusal came after Brentwood West councillors, the ward where the play area is situated, and cabinet members at the authority determined it should be saved due to its popularity with local residents.

On top of this, it has also emerged £60,000 funding could be spent to build a new playground in the ward.

Russell Quirk, chairman of the council’s Asset, Infrastructure and Localism Panel, said: “I’m delighted we all agree on the way forward and out of this meeting came a discussion on there being improved play provision within Brentwood West using money due to the council from recent developments.

“The developer has been informed its offer has been declined.

“What has also been suggested to us is there is money in the region of £60,000 which we are now looking to use for a new play area in the ward, which is great news for residents.”

Ward councillor Karen Chilvers, who was involved in discussions with the playground’s future, said it was good to see the area stay put and even better to think new facilities could be coming.

The Lib Dem member said: “I am delighted residents won the day and got to keep their much-valued play area. “It’s vital to have such facilities in Brentwood West for families to enjoy.

“I now look forward to working towards providing additional play areas and activities for children of all ages in the area.”

Councillors are now considering where the new facilities could go in the ward.