Accessible play equipment on cards for Thatcham

Thatcham Town Council is discussing the possibility of installing a series of accessible play equipment pieces in parks across the town.

A recreation and amenities committee supported the proposal in a meeting held on Monday night (August 23) but full costs and feasibility remain to be confirmed.

The bid consists of an accessible roundabout for Kennet Heath at a cost of £10,000, an accessible Jeep for Turnfields at £14,000, a cognitive play panel and a rain wheel at Dunstan Green for £2,850, two cognitive play panels at Lamb Close for £1,600 and a replacement inclusive multi play unit for £14,000.

Jeremey Cottam (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) said he “warmly welcomed” the installation which would allow “disabled children to play with their friends at the same time”.

He said “if it weren’t for the pandemic [we] would have been doing this a lot earlier” and encouraged going “as fast as [we] can” with pushing it forward.

The council is currently working on the logistics, ensuring that equipment will fit the areas selected at the current time.