WORK will begin on a new children’s park in Winsford this January after residents smashed their £150,000 fundraising target.

West Winsford residents, led by Katherine Lowe, have been campaigning for a new children’s park on Brecon Way, Over, since February 2013. A petition kicked off the campaign, which gained more than 800 signatures.

Working with GGO West Winsford, residents held a number of public consultation events with Over adults and teenagers and also worked with local primary school children.

Ms Lowe, who raised £500 by shaving off her hair, said: “I am so pleased that we have now got the funding and contractor for the play area.

“We really want to make this a space that the whole community can use.”

Clr Lynda Jones, executive member for growth and innovation, Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, ward member for Over and Verdin, said she was ‘delighted’ to have been involved with the project from the start.

She said: "It is very satisfying when a resident presents you with a wish and through partnership working that wish comes true.

“The use of members' budgets to kick start a project is what they are for. I was therefore delighted to give £9,000 to help move this project forward.

“Also as a member for Cheshire Fire and Rescue through UPG funding another £5,000 was also secured to help towards the project.

“I continue to look forward to being part of the project team as it moves towards completion.”

During the fundraising campaign, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, The Landscape Group, Cheshire Fire & Rescue, and Cheshire West & Chester Council all offered donations.

WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community, also made a generous donation of £71,000, the single largest award of funding they had ever offered.

Peter Cox, managing director of WREN: “WREN is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to local communities, children and families.

“The Brecon Way Play area will provide a fantastic space for local children to enjoy a variety of play equipment and have outdoors fun.”

Work will begin January 2015 and is expected to be completed by June 2015.