PLANS by councillors to develop specialist play equipment for children in Winsford parks have been welcomed.

Resident Charlie Parkinson doesn't want young people with a disability to feel left out when they visit playgrounds.

"I was in the Town Park and saw two kids in wheelchairs with their families," said Charlie.

"I thought to myself how lovely it would be if they could all play together. I think young people who are disabled should feel part of the community instead of having to sit in their wheelchairs and watch their siblings playing."

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

"We need to seek expert advice from specialists about which items of play equipment would be most suitable," said Charlie.

Members of the newly formed open spaces committee held a Zoom meeting last week and renewed their pledge to provide recreational facilities for the disabled.

"I am absolutely delighted as I have been told that councillors have agreed in principle to look at ways to instal this equipment," said Charlie.

Cllr Lyndsay Barwell, chairman of the open spaces committee, said: "In 2019, we began exploring ways to improve access for disabled people at the parks and open spaces in our town.

"Lots of residents and community groups rightly pointed out that play equipment for disabled people was essential.

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"Covid-19 and lockdown delayed progress but work resumed as soon as restrictions eased.

"Estimates for play equipment for disabled people were obtained and suggested a figure of around £25,000, excluding groundworks.

"Winsford Town Council will now obtain quotes and work to deliver equipment in a location which best serves the needs of disabled people, working closely with disabled people and their families."