Village pulls together to raise money for new play area

A huge effort by one of West Suffolk’s smaller villages has paid off with local children enjoying a brand new play area this summer.

The £55,000 raised for Ingham’s new facilities provide equipment for all ages of local children and their families, from toddlers to a 20m zip wire, football goals and a seating area, in a pleasant setting behind the church.

Parish councillor and resident of 30 years, Adrian Dawson explained that the community, which has been without play opportunities for ten years, really pulled together. He said,

‘Everyone got involved. The children’s parents held a fundraising Halloween trail, a sale trail and a Christmas raffle; the Aquarius singers performed at the church, which raised £1000 in itself, our local councillors  provided generously from their locality budgets and we successfully applied for National Lottery and Suffolk Community Foundation funding. Local people have also been hands on preparing the site. A local landowner has generously leased the land at a peppercorn rent, and a local farmer and businessman is providing a patio and seating area.’

Cllr Susan Glossop, West Suffolk ward councillor for Ingham, who provided £1000 from her locality budget said,
‘This has been a creative, concerted and collective effort and I applaud everyone involved. We will be helping out with regular advice and safety inspections, and I am delighted to have been able to offer my support. West Suffolk has made healthy families and communities a priority and I hope local families enjoy using the new facilities, especially during longer summer days.’

Cllr Rebecca Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Cabinet member and councilor for Ingham, who provided £1500 from her locality budget said,
‘Locality budgets are designed to support local groups who are making a difference in their area and Ingham is a beautiful example of a clear need and community action. The village can feel proud of their achievement, and I hope it pays dividends in the future.’