Herefordshire Council have agreed to spend £7,000 towards the cost of improving the play area at the Rope Walk in Ross-on-Wye.

Councillor Richard Mayo gave the good news to Ross Town Council on Monday, April 10th. The money has come from Section 106 agreements, which are financial contributions made by developers to the County Council.

In February, the Ross Gazette reported that a team of four local residents had launched an online donation page to help pay for improvements and developments at the children’s play area at the Rope Walk. The team consists of Lindsey Mclean, Richard Mayo, Debbie Brooks and Anna Ricketts.

The existing play area was installed in 1994 by Herefordshire Council, but a lack of maintenance and funding resulted in its gradual deterioration. For some time, concerned residents have been trying to raise money to create a new playground.

Last year, Ross Town Council took on the responsibility for The Rope Walk from Herefordshire Council, and the four parents behind the Playground Project are hoping to make faster progress. So far, residents have donated £350 on the Crowdfunding website, an anonymous donation of £200 has been received and the Town Council have pledged to contribute £10,000. The funding from Herefordshire Council has given the team a substantial boost.

The plan for the play area is split into three phases. Each phase is currently planned to cost £50,000.

The first phase is to replace the fenced toddler area with a new safety surface and new play equipment that appeals to toddlers and small children.

The overall aim is to create a destination playground at the Rope Walk, where able bodied and disabled children will be able to play.

Lindsey Mclean, Chair told the Ross Gazette: “This is a great boost. It proves that people and businesses are behind this project which we are passionate about. We still have a way to go but this is great progress.”

She added:?“If there are businesses out there that wish to discuss funding opportunities and/or sponsorship of equipment, please contact us via email: [email protected].

“If you would like to donate please visit our Just Giving page."