A PLEA to provide specialist play equipment for the disabled has been made by a Winsford resident.

Charlie Parkinson wants every family in the town to be able to enjoy facilities at Winsford Town Park.

"I have seen families down there with young children and maybe an older one in a wheelchair," said grandad Charlie. "They are onlookers and can't join in.

"I think they should feel part of the community instead of having to sit in their wheelchairs and watch their young siblings playing."

Charlie has applied for a share of £31,000 funding set aside Winsford Town Council for a new participatory budget, which invites residents to submit bids.

Councillors have pledged to examine all the applications and invite the local community to vote for the projects they believe deserve to be funded.

Northwich Guardian:

Charlie Parkinson is asking Winsford Town Council to provide disabled play equipment at Winsford Town Park

After carrying out some preliminary research Charlie estimated it could cost around £12,000 to instal a disabled swing and roundabout.

"The park has been open for two years and no progress has been made in providing disabled facilities," said Charlie. "This money would be well spent and welcomed for disabled children."

Charlie suggests the council could seek expert advice from specialists about suitable disabled play equipment.

"Members of my family were disabled," said Charlie. "I want to stick up for people who are less fortunate than ourselves. I want the very best for Winsford."

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Mark Bailey, town council clerk, confirmed that this is the only application received so far for the new participatory budget.

Cllr Lyndsay Barwell, chairman of the parks and open spaces committee, said: "The parks committee discussed play equipment for people with disabilities in the winter, immediately after we took on responsibility for town park.

"The committee was supportive of inclusive equipment. However, very soon after we went into lockdown and recent meetings have focused on re-opening parks safely after lockdown."