New high wire play unit installed at Belmont, Hereford

Herefordshire Council has installed an exciting new piece of multi-use play equipment at Northolme Road public open space in Belmont, Hereford and it is already proving to be very popular with local children.

The new equipment consists of a rope bridge, scramble net, rope and hoop climber, drag ramps and inclusive slide which can also be used by children with disabilities. Special safety matting has also installed beneath the unit to help to ensure the safety of all who use it.

It replaces an old wooden item of play equipment that had deteriorated and was removed from the site earlier this year, following the annual Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) play inspection.

This new item, supplied and installed by Sutcliffe Play South West at a cost of £20,000, was installed in just four days.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: "The council is delighted to have been able to provide this equipment for the children in Belmont; we believe it's very important for children to be able to enjoy playing outside in a stimulating but safe environment.

"The local children are already enjoying the challenge posed by the new equipment and over 30 children were seen using it at once over the weekend."

All council-managed play equipment is regularly inspected by parks officers throughout the year to make sure it continues to comply with safety standards.

The parks and countryside team worked closely with Belmont Rural Parish Council who were consulted over the type of equipment to be provided and kept informed of progress along the way.