High Peak playground reopens after major refurbishment

Phil Manford from the Chinley and Buxworth Community Centre, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Chinley Playground.

The playground at Chinley Community Centre, off Lower Lane, was unveiled on Monday afternoon.

Phil Manford, from the Chinley Community Association, cut the ribbon in front of a crowd of around 100 excited children, who then got the opportunity to be the first to try out the equipment.

The refurbishment was made possible following a donation of more than £64,000 by Wain Homes as a result of the residential development off Forge Road.

Youngsters try out the new equipment on the Chinley Playground which opened on Monday.

The money was given to Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside Parish Council to allow them to replace existing facilities which had been in place for about 40 years and were in need of an upgrade.

A spokesperson for the parish council said: “It is packed with a huge variety of equipment and themed on the railway heritage of Chinley.

“The graphics depict the viaduct in Chinley and railway tracks with a station ticket shop panel to encourage imaginative play.

“It also includes an inclusive roundabout suitable for wheelchair users to enjoy.”

Simon Pote, from Wain Homes, said: “It was very nice to be able to see how the money had been spent in the local community.”