A NEW children’s play area has been opened at Pentop field, Cardigan.

The project was mainly funded by Cardigan Town Council, with awards from Ceredigion County Council’s Community Grant, Wales & West Housing and the Welsh Government AWPOG (All Wales Play Opportunities Grant to Local Authorities).

The area was given to Cardigan Town Council back in 2014, as part of an agreement with housing developers.

Since then, an enthusiastic group has worked on its development. Project coordinator, Cllr Catrin Miles said: “Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard: town councillors, Wales & West Housing, Ceredigion County Council, Tai Ceredigion, Small World Theatre, Flying Start, Ray Ceredigion and, of course, residents.

“Huge thanks also to developer Mr Bob Sheridan for his support and help along the way; to Mr Mike Phillips for preparing access, road and path to the site, draining, levelling and fencing in readiness for play equipment.

“The phase one work totalled £24,425, shared 50-50 between Cardigan Town Council and CCC’s Community Grant Scheme.”

Cardigan Mayor, Cllr John Adams-Lewis added: “We owe an enormous debt of thanks to the late Llwyd Edwards, a faithful and much-valued member of Cardigan Town Council, who prepared all the plans for the site.

“He was very involved in the early days and we remember him now as we open this wonderful new facility that will benefit the community. Town Council was fortunate to receive the sum of £28,000 from the developer, enabling us to draw down grants from several organisations.”

Once phase one was completed, local children were encouraged to out forward ideas for its future. Based on these findings, then town council commissioned Sutcliffe Play to install an initial three items of equipment.

Phase two of the work was funded by a further £ 9,547 from Ceredigion County Council’s Community Grant Scheme, £4,082 from the Welsh Government AWPOG Grant, £4,000 from Wales & West Housing, matched by the town council. The aim now is to raise more funds locally, in response to the needs of the children and families.

Anne Hinchey, chief executive of Wales & West Housing, said: “This play area has brought the community together and will make such a difference to the families living in the area, including our residents at Golwg Y Castell. I hope the young people in the area will have many hours of fun playing there with their friends.”

Ray Ceredigion will be holding play-sessions on the new site between 4pm-6pm on Thursdays and a warm welcome is extended to all children who live south of the Teifi: Ridgeway, Awel yr Afon, Golwg y Castell, Tenby Road, Castle Street and St Dogmaels Rd.

There will also be a competition soon to give the play area a new name.