Swings boost for port park

The good news comes after Fleetwood Town Council match-funded the £6,000 already raised by the Friends of the Memorial Park.

The Friends approached the Town Council in a bid to raise the £12,000 needed.

Although Fleetwood’s Memorial Park has been extensively revamped and improved thanks to a £2.4m restoration grant, one thing missing was a traditional set of swings.

A previous set had to be removed because they had become decrepit and posed a health and safety risk.

The Friends group, which works closely with Wyre Council, will now be able to get a set of four such swings installed – including one disabled-friendly swing – in time for summer.

The funds were granted subject to the Friends liaising with Wyre Council to acquire the costings figures involved and present the details back to the Town Council.

Les Fletcher, chairman of the Friends group, said: “We’re delighted to be given this money. It has saved us a lot of time and effort and will ensure that we can have the swings in time for the warmer months.

“Every park needs a set of swings.”

Les’ wife Ella Fletcher, another member, said: “The park is a lot better since the restoration and there are several different sets of new swings – cradle swings and bucket swings for younger children.

“We have two new climb and slide units, a roundabout and park our play equipment. But the thing we don’t have now is the traditional swings for older children– now we can put that right. We’re really grateful to the Town Council.”

A poster highlighting their plans is now on show in the Memorial Park’s pavilion.

Fleetwood Town Council, which is currently planning to take over the financial running of axe-threatened Fleetwood Museum, supports a number of local schemes.

Coun Terry Rogers, chairman of Fleetwood Town Council, said; “The set of swings is a worthwhile project which will benefit the community of Fleetwood, so we were glad to support it.”