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WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL: Invitation for more volunteers to help maintain playing field after complaints about litter




Volunteers are wanted to help run a Whaplode play area after online complaints about smashed glass and rubbish left at the site.

Members of Whaplode Playing Field Association have defended their running of the playground in Church Gate after online complaints about litter thrown down around children's play equipment.

The complaints were posted on social media website Whaplode Village, including one from Bailey Boulding who said: "I went to the park with my partner and our children.

Whaplode Playing Field (4888205)
Whaplode Playing Field (4888205)

"But when we got into the park there was rubbish everywhere, glass bottles smashed near the play equipment, metal cans ripped up into small, jagged parts, food and cream everywhere.

"I then proceeded to clean up this mess and, 45 minutes later, we were finished, having filled a large bag.

"Is there anything that we can do about this, be it a neighbourhood watch-style movement, focused almost solely on keeping the children's park safe and child-friendly, or perhaps a weekly litter pick of the park?"

In response, Whaplode Playing Field Association trustee Jonathan Almey said: "The playing field is run and maintained by a voluntary committee.

Whaplode Playing Field (4888190)
Whaplode Playing Field (4888190)

"Although we do receive an annual council grant for grass cutting, all other maintenance is carried out by the committee and any new play equipment or fencing comes from fundraising, applying for relevant grants and local councillors' support.

"The committee typically clears the field of litter weekly, however, it can be difficult to keep tidy at all times, especially during the school holidays when the field is most used.

"We are continually looking for volunteers to join our small committee so if anyone would like to attend our annual general meeting in the Heraldic Suite at St Mary's Church, Whaplode, on November 22 at 7.30pm, please feel free to do so."

The playing field was discussed at a meeting of Whaplode Parish Council at Saracen's Head Village Hall on Wednesday.

A plaque unveiled in memory of Saracen's Head war veterans. Photo by June Taylor. (3189216)
A plaque unveiled in memory of Saracen's Head war veterans. Photo by June Taylor. (3189216)

Coun Bob Merchant, parish council chairman, said: "In the past, we've always struggled to get new members for the playing field committee.

"But they are quite happy to go round and do a litter pick if we need people to do it."

"Meanwhile, we've had a new piece of play equipment fitted at the playing field which has been funded by Wryde Croft Wind Farm, near Thorney."



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