Big congratulations to everyone involved in the work we have been doing over the last 18 months on regenerating King George’s Field in Framwellgate Moor.

We now have all of the funding secured for the site. The Parish Council, Groundworks who have been bringing together the fundraising, the Church Girls and Boys brigade who have been involved in the planning of the equipment and much more, and everyone else who has been involved.

When I introduced Groundworks to the Parish Council early last year I knew that this would take time, but knew we could achieve this. Since then, the parish council committed funding, followed by my contribution from the County Councillors neighbourhood budget of £10,000, then a commitment I secured of £25,000 by way of Urban Renaissance grant, I have also helped in making sure that s106 money from building works in the area was committed to this fund, as well as pushing to get £5000 towards an outdoor gym with Cllr Croooks which we have just recently had confirmed from Durham AAP.

The final lump of cash of £49,999 from Community Spaces (Lottery) was confirmed yesterday and means that we are now in a position to start tendering and ordering the work which will include:

Outdoor Gym equipment for teenagers and adults
A new tennis court
A full multigames area for playing football, basketball and other sports
Toddlers play equipment including equipment for special needs children
Play equipment for older children
An upgraded carpark, as well as landscaping, paths bins and other works.

All in all to get so far and secure over £100,000 of funding for this major scheme in such a short time and in difficult economic times is fantastic and goes to show what can be achieved when everyone comes together.