Families Invited to Comment on Orts Road Play Area Relocation

RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in a consultation on children’s play facilities in New Town.

The Council is planning to relocate the playground currently situated at Lock Place to a grassed area at the junction of Orts Road and Canal Way. The new play zone would include modern new equipment and the surrounding area would be improved to create an attractive park for the whole community. A public consultation is currently under way and a residents' drop-in event is being held at St John’s Church Café on Wednesday 27th February. Ageing play equipment at the current children’s area at Lock Place is in need of replacement and the Council believes the proposed land at Orts Road and Canal Way is a more suitable location for a playground. The project will be funded entirely by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is made up of financial contributions from developers. The intention is for the relocated play area to include various pieces of new equipment including: a swing, rotary, rockers, climbing equipment and seating. As well as consulting with residents, the Council will be involving local primary school pupils with the choice of play equipment and design of the final layout.

Cllr John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Housing, said:

“It is really important for children to have a safe place to play outside and I am delighted the Council is putting forward these plans for an improved playground in Orts Road. “We want to hear from children and families in the area to make sure the proposed play area is in the right place and includes the equipment they want. “I would encourage residents to give their views at the drop-in event on 27th February or via the online consultation.” Local ward councillors and council officers will be on hand to discuss the plans for the play area at a public drop-in event at St John’s Church Café, in Orts Road, between 3pm and 8pm on Wednesday 27th February. The online consultation can be found at: https://consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/orts-road-play-area-relocation-survey/ and all responses should be submitted by Friday 1st March. Feedback can also be sent by email to tenant.participation@reading.gov.uk.