Sarah Hehir: here's to brighter days ahead!

Manor Lane Playground - view looking towards Borstal Marina and Baty's Marsh

I have promised to clarify a few points from my last Blog Post after a conversation with a committee member from Borstal Open Spaces. The good news is that the improvements to the playground are going ahead and should be completed by the end of March. This should be a perfect start to what I hope is a lovely Spring! The bad news is that there is no chance to have any input into the style or content of the playground.

I have also been asked to make clear that the Annual General Meeting on March 17th at 7.30pm is not open to the public but is open to members of Borstal Open Spaces. If you are keen to go and get information on the playground, you can join by filling in your details on the membership form at Borstal Open Spaces and you will be welcome at the AGM. There will be no consultation with the public so no getting too excited about trampolines, sandpits or picnic tables!

I have been told quite clearly that Borstal Open Spaces has absolutely no political affiliations. This is written into their constitution. I have been asked not to post any more details about upcoming events or information of interest to the public. Therefore, if you want to know details about the playground or future events, do look on their website.

Here's to brighter days ahead and to enjoying the green spaces of Borstal and Rochester!

Good News - Manor Lane Playground revamp!

Esme inspects Manor Lane Playground

NEW playgrounds promised to children in Medway by the Labour Government came under threat because of the Coalition Government's cutbacks.

The Labour Government introduced Playbuilder, the energetic scheme to build 3,500 community playgrounds. In June 2009, Medway's Conservative led Council received £1,128,320 from the Labour Government to fund playground improvements at 22 sites in the region. Howard Doe, Medway Council's portfolio holder for housing and community Services, said:

"The first year of Playbuilder was great .'

However, one year on, council grants for potential playgrounds were frozen by the Coalition's Department for Education. It looked like Borstal would not get the much needed funding for playground improvements after all.

So it is certainly something to celebrate that funding has finally been promised and Manor Lane Recreation Ground will have a new playground! Borstal Open Spaces will be holding an AGM open to all members on March 7th at 7.30pm, Borstal Village Hall if you want to find out more. I have contacted the group to see if suggestions from local children and parents would be welcome: the people who use the equipment usually know what works best for different age groups. I love bouncy pirate ships and trampolines. I mean, my girls do.