Scores turnout for play area opening
MORE than 150 people and 200 rubber ducks descended on Westgate this week to celebrate a new £25,000 play area.The renovated kick about area in the village was officially opened with a football tournament and sport’s day on Saturday, followed by a duck race which saw 200 rubber ducks released into the neighbouring river.
The kick about cost £25,000 and includes a new fence, pitch markings, football posts and basketball hoops as well as sporting equipment such as a tennis net.
Jo Hayes, secretary for the Play Area for Westgate Scheme (PAWS), said: “At first a lot of people thought it was a lot of money just for a fence, but I think having seen it the local community has been very impressed with the kick about.
“The weather was very kind and we had many members of the local community as well as youth groups from across the county come and have a look at the new facility.
“It really is very impressive and the local community is very pleased with it. The kick about looked fabulous and the children had a great day playing lots of sports on it.”
The play area was funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund given to Durham County Council’s education in the community group by Government as part of their campaign to invest in children’s activities.
The kick about itself was approved by Teesdale’s Youth Opportunities Panel after the Weardale branch agreed to submit the plans.
