Valleyfield kids give thumbs up to new play area

Valleyfield Environment and Recreation Trust (VERT) officially opened their latest project on 1st July.

This was the new children’s play area at Preston Street, High Valleyfield, which replaces an earlier play area that had fallen into a state of decay.

The new facility is part of a wider partnership development involving Fife Council, Communities Scotland, Ochil Housing Association and VERT to make better use of the former run-down open space. Thanks to funding received from Fife Environment Trust, VERT is pleased to have been able to contribute to this prestigious project.

A mixture of sheltered accommodation, affordable housing and houses to rent has been built on the northern edge of the site, designed to replicate the layout of the former Preston Crescent. These overlook what is to become an attractive community garden with shrubs, a grass area and seating, with the new play area just beyond.

This final phase of the project, along with additional trees to be planted on the south side of the site, is due for completion in the autumn.

Sylvia Maxwell, chairwoman of VERT, when asking former councillor, Anne McGovern, to officially open the play area, said: "We have been aware since carrying out a survey of the village in 2004/2005 that young mum’s have been asking for a safe children’s play area.

"We hope this new facility will satisfy their demands."

She also made a plea for more people from the village to come forward and participate in VERT’s activities. "Without more support", she said, "VERT will fold."

Before cutting the ribbon, Anne McGovern said: "It has long been my ambition for better use to be made of the open space at Preston Street. I am particularly pleased that this regeneration project has finally come to fruition at the end of my time as a councillor for the area."