RESIDENTS in Crowmarsh Gifford are set to get a new playground, thanks to £185,000 worth of grants.

The financial backing to revamp the play area off Benson Lane has come from South Oxfordshire District Council, WREN and Fields in Trust, as well as contributions from businesses Agrivert, Howbery Park and Waitrose.

Donations have also been given in memory of former parish council chairman John Bellamy.

The money will be used to replace the old playground and add a new ‘outdoor gym space’.

Facilities include equipment suitable for a wide range of children’s ages and abilities.

Michelle Reynolds, a volunteer who lives in the village near Wallingford, said: “We are all very excited that the hard work put into planning and applying for funding has paid off with the commencement of this project.

“We are very grateful to funders like SODC, WREN and Fields in Trust, which allow small communities like ours to achieve great things.

“We know this project will make a huge and positive impact to the community immediately as well as in the years to come.”

SODC’s cabinet member for community services and grants Lynn Lloyd said: “We are lucky to have so many active community groups in the district delivering great projects that benefit our residents and we want to help them achieve their goals.”

Fields in Trust is an independent charity that works to protect parks and green spaces.

Chief executive Helen Griffiths said: “We believe the best way to protect our parks and green spaces is for communities to get out and use them; this programme is encouraging new groups of users to love their local park.”

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The facilities will be ready by Easter.