NEW play equipment is to be installed at the Woody play area, Queensway, to combat anti-social behaviour.
The piece of equipment known locally as ‘the parrot’, which has often been reported as a hot spot for vandalism and drug dealing, is to be removed and replaced. It is hoped by the town council that the new timber multi-play unit, costing £20,703, which offers offenders no place to hide out of sight, will discourage anti-social behaviour. A teen shelter, costing £6,750, will also be installed to encourage teenagers to socialise away from the play area and not sit on play equipment.
The cost of the new multi-play unit and teen shelter will be covered by money from the community benefit fund payment from the Sandridge Solar Farm. The money, which is given to the town council, is part of an ongoing agreement for the installation of the solar farm, which opened in June 2016.