The new Sandy Lane play area will be officially opened by the Chairman Bassetlaw District Council, Dave Challinor, at 12:00 noon on Saturday 30th July.

Leisure Services manager, Peter Clark said “For a number of years the local community in the Sandy Lane area have wanted somewhere safe for their children to play. The rough open ground where the flats were demolished was often used, but had no equipment and wasn't any good for small children and toddlers.

“The launch of the Government's Playbuilder programme saw Bassetlaw District Council set up a play forum to decide how to spend the money that would come into the District. One of the chosen projects was to build a play area in the Sandy Lane area and the plan was backed by the Sandy Lane Forum. The Forum and A1 housing also agreed to part fund the project to a total of £20,000.

“Unfortunately, the national Playbuilder project was cancelled as part of Government cuts in 2010 and many projects throughout the country found that their funding had been removed. Sadly, this included the play project at Sandy Lane and it looked like the hopes of a whole community would be dashed.

“However, Bassetlaw District Council, recognising the importance of the scheme to local people included £65,000 in its capital budget for this year. This has meant that there will now be a play area suitable for children of all ages right in the middle of the Sandy Lane community. By using the combined resources of all the partners there will be a facility that local people have wanted for a long time and one that we hope they will cherish and look after.”

Portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure, Julie Leigh, said, “As part of its commitment to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, the Council wants to make sure that children in local communities have access to properly equipped, professionally designed play areas. It’s great when a long felt need can be met and this latest addition brings to 28 the play areas provided and managed by the Council. There are also four multi-use games courts, three skate parks and six outdoor basketball sites. It is hoped to add to these in due course.”