Brand new play equipment targeted at older children has been installed at a play area in a south Oxfordshire village.

Uffington, just outside of Wantage, welcomed the installation of two large new items of play equipment on the village’s Jubilee Field.

The additions have been funded by developer contributions, a grant from the White Horse Show Trust and funds from the parish council.

A new rope climbing frame known as a space net and a triple swing set will provide entertainment for local disabled and older children.

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The new climbing frame at the play area.The new climbing frame at the play area. (Image: Uffington Parish Council)

Simon Jenkins, chairman of Uffington Parish Council, said: “The village is delighted to have been able to install these two new items of play equipment for older children, to complement those which have been available for some years for the younger ones.

“We are extremely grateful to the developers of the Jacksmeadow estate for the S106 contribution to the parish, and to the White Horse Show Trust.”

Fenella Oberman, a parish councillor who led the project, said: “It was clear during our planning application consultation that local families were hugely supportive of this exciting project.

“We're delighted to be able to provide local children with this new equipment in time for summer and for many years to come.”

READ MORE: 'Eyesore restored' as playground reopens for first time in three years

The parish council celebrated with a small event on Tuesday, June 11 to mark the installation and thanked those who contributed towards it.

This addition is the latest to locally funded playgrounds across Oxfordshire with a particular focus on revitalising the area in and around Wantage.

Last month a playground in Wantage reopened for the first time in three years following a major £70,000 refurbishment.

The Smith’s Wharf play area was initially closed in March 2020 as part of the Government mandated lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After it shut, the play park was then registered to the Vale of White Horse District Council in October 2021 and works were planned to revitalise the area.

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The new swings at the Oxfordshire play area.The new swings at the Oxfordshire play area. (Image: Uffington Parish Council)

After a £70,000 effort, the playground has been entirely redeveloped and the park was reopened on Monday, May 13. 

Longtime Wantage resident Rodney Tillotson at the time said: “A month or two ago contractors appeared, made good the structural edge of the playground, critical because it is built on a slope, resurfaced it with a safe soft material, and then just removed their fencing and left the playground safe and accessible.

The next day local families from new and old homes were using it, with evident pleasure for adults and children; and now there are more,” he said.

“So it's an eyesore restored and a valuable amenity for this corner of the town.

"Everyone I have spoken to is grateful.”

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