Children in the village of Tideswell are looking forward to using a newly revamped playground, now the Parish Council has been awarded a major grant.
Tideswell Parish Council has received a grant from major local employer, Tarmac. Whilst Tarmac operates several sites locally including Tunstead, Hindlow and Ballidon, it is thanks to the company’s national Landfill Communities Fund* that the Parish has received this boost – over £82,000 to be used to redevelop Abigail’s Park, the largest park in Tideswell.
Tarmac representatives recently went along to visit the playground, view the plans for the upgrade and congratulate the villagers on their grant. Chair of the Parish Council, Councillor Russell Andrew said: “We are over the moon with this grant. The playground is used 365 days a year by village children and visitors, but the equipment is 20 years old. We have tried to repair it several times but decided it was time to redevelop it and, at the same time, make it as accessible as possible. The Tarmac grant will enable us to provide modern, attractive and sturdy equipment for generations to come. We are looking forward to getting started on the work with the goal of having the playground complete and reopened by Spring 2020.”
Chris Bradbury, Tarmac Tunstead Cement Plant manager added: “The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund supports projects right around the country, so we are delighted that a project close to Tunstead and our sister quarry at Hindlow has benefitted this time. The benefits of playing outdoors are well proven so we look forward to seeing Tideswell Parish Council’s plans come to life and to seeing children enjoying a new playground on their doorstep.”
*The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund (or Landfill Tax Credit Scheme as it was formerly known) enables landfill operators like Tarmac, to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Landfill operators can reclaim 90% of their contribution as a tax credit which means the remaining 10% must be provided either by them or an independent third party. Through the fund Tarmac donates around £1 million each year to community projects throughout the UK. The fund is open to applicants who meet the strict criteria for projects delivering community benefit. For more information please go to www.entrust.org.uk
Picture caption: Tideswell villagers are looking forward to seeing Abigail’s Park have a makeover. On top of the climbing frame – Tarmac Tunstead Cement Plant manager, Chris Bradbury (left) and Parish Council Chair Russell Andrew