NEW play equipment for the disabled could be place in Winsford parks by next spring.

Winsford Town Council approved a project to install four pieces of equipment including a swing, costing a total of £24,000 at a meeting on Monday evening.

The council has earmarked £10,000 towards the cost and will now seek further funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council and other sources.

The decision has been welcomed by resident Charlie Parkinson, who has been campaigning for leisure facilities for disabled children and their families.

Speaking during the open forum, Charlie said: "I am very pleased that they have decided to go ahead with this disability project. Their target of the spring is exactly what I asked for, ready for children to play on at Easter.

"While we are looking for funding, could I suggest that we contact St Andrew's Church and the college to see if we could use their toilet facilities for certain hours during the day."

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The council's task and finish group will now consult with disabled advocacy groups including Hebden Green School and local residents.

Councillors are keen to hear from the parents of disabled children.

Members plan to carry out research to identify which park will be the best place to instal the equipment.

After the meeting, Cllr Dorothy Jump said: "I feel strongly that careful consideration is needed to get this right. A location suggested previously is Winsford Town Park which is at the bottom of a slope, and therefore might not be wheelchair accessible. We need to work together to deliver something which will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people."

Cllr Lyndsay Barwell, chairman of the open spaces committee, said : "This is an issue that has been raised on social media and by campaigners.I want people to know that the council listens and works with residents. I would like to thank everyone who has raised the issue, including Charlie Parkinson who has been particularly visible and all those who raised this issue before him."

Anyone wishing to involved in this project or share ideas can email Cllr Barwell at lbarwell@winsford.gov.uk.