Crowfield parish councillor delighted by new games area

Crowfield parish councillor Gary Barber  took action after seeing his son fall over in the area which had fallen into disrepair.

He and a team of fundraisers were able to achieve the five-figure sum and are delighted by the “fantastic asset to the community”.

The previous sports area had been very old and outdated (Image: Gary Barber)

The new games area can be used for sports like football and basketball (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Barber, who was elected to the parish council last year, said: “Me and my kids were playing on the old sports facility and my son fell over. It was a mess. It sparked something in my head that this needs to be fixed.”

The former Royal Navy engineer worked with Martin Taylor from the village hall committee and fellow councillor Sarah Scott to fundraise and apply for grant funding to reach the £65,000 total.

Many people have been enjoying the games area since it opened on Sunday! (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Featuring fencing and recess goals, the games area can be used for a huge variety of sports including basketball, football, and rounders.

And, with the grand opening last weekend, the project has been warmly received by the Crowfield community.

Councillor Barber has been working on the project for a year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Councillor Barber said: “There was quite a crowd at the opening on Sunday. People were amazed by it.

“There were some more elderly members of the community who have been in the village for years and had seen the sports area fall into disrepair and they were pleased to see it improved and for kids to be enjoying it again.”

The games area is mostly made from recycled material, which can last up to 25 years, meaning it can be enjoyed for decades to come.