Youth Council influences final design for park makeover

As reported on alderleyedge.com last month, Cheshire East Council has confirmed that £48,000 will be spent on revamping the children's play area in Alderley Edge Park.

The proposed designs for the upgrade to the park were sent to the recently established Alderley Edge Youth Council for consideration.

Following a period of consultation they recommended a number of improvements for the park which were sent to Cheshire East Council and have now has been included in the final designs.

As a result of their feedback. an additional piece of equipment called 'Cheddar Gorge' has been added, where youngsters will be able to face the challenge of swinging hand to hand across the steel curved arch.

The youth councillors also commented that the monkey bars, which are currently in the infant play area, should be relocated outside the fenced area, as this equipment is more suited for older children. Additionally, it was noted that the park should have a cycle rack which Cheshire East Council has also agreed to.

Councillor Rachael Grantham said "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Marianne Hodgkinson for her support with the Youth Council, the fact that the Youth Council are having their voice heard at Cheshire East highlights the positive effect they can have on the village going forward."

The majority of the equipment which is being upgraded is in the infant area of the park. However, the Cheddar Gorge, the relocation of the monkey bars and installation of two table tennis tables, which should all be completed in the next few weeks, are just the beginning of the Youth Councillors work on improving the rest of the park equipment.

The designs are still at an early stage and the Youth Council will be working with the schools and social groups in September and October to find out what it is the children in the village would like to see in the park. The councillors are looking into various grants and fundraising opportunities to allow them to continue with this project.

Rachael commented 'The youth councillors are working really hard and it is great to see that changes are been made and their commitment is paying off."

The next meeting of Alderley Edge Youth Council will be held on Monday 19th September when they will be joined by our PCSO Sarah Stanley and a representative of The Edge Association.

If you require any further information or have any suggestions for the Youth Council, email Rachael Grantham.