Mayor visits Manton’s Jubilee Field’s new play and picnic area

Manton’s Jubilee Field’s new play and picnic area was in full swing when Mayor Cllr. Mark Cooper visited this morning, August 18, ahead of the official opening on September 2.

The original play area has been extended and the new equipment caters for a wider age-range of children. New picnic tables have also been installed.

Mayor Mark Cooper told Marlborough.news, “It looks absolutely fantastic. I’d like to pay a huge tribute to the Manton Community Outdoors group, Manton Residents Association but also to the people of Manton for making this possible.

Everyone has worked so hard to get this project done and it is a tremendous tribute to the community spirit of the village. It is something that generations of children in Manton and Marlborough will enjoy and use.”

“I used to play here as a child,” he added.

The £70,000 project has taken three years to be realised. A substantial amount of money was raised by the Manton Community Outdoors Group. The project has also benefitted from grants from, among others, Marlborough Area Board, the Town Council, Waitrose Green Token scheme and an anonymous donor.

James McGrath, from Dragon Play and Sports, who installed the new play equipment, said, “We aimed to create a modern but natural feel to the area in keeping with the natural environment. We have used Robinia timber hardwood to create a ‘wobbly wood’ look. The surfaces are bonded rubber mulch which looks natural, prevents injury and allows for aesthetic looking patterns.”

Local residents and children were full of praise for the new equipment. Steve Bogg from Clatford said, “It’s brilliant. What a great team effort!”

Ruth Maisey told Marlborough.news, “I just moved here yesterday and it’s fabulous to discover this on our doorstep.”

Emma Mitchell and Lorna Roberts echoed the sentiments of everyone, “It’s so much better than previously and brilliant that there are lots more children coming to play here.”