A community park in Elford has been transformed with new play equipment and improved facilities following a £75,000 investment from Lichfield District Council.
The funding, awarded to Elford Parish Council from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Fund, has helped transform Elford Community Park into a modern, accessible and welcoming space for local children, families and the wider community.
The project has seen ageing playground equipment replaced with new facilities, alongside a new surface, landscaping and wider improvements to the site.
The original playground equipment, which was predominantly made from timber and installed around 24 years ago, had served the community for more than two decades. However, over time it had become increasingly difficult to maintain and was no longer meeting the needs of local families.
The completed park now provides a refreshed public space designed to encourage play, recreation and social connection for the community.
Councillor Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and the Local Plan, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the transformation of Elford Community Park and the difference this investment is making for the local community.
“Community Infrastructure Levy funding gives us an important opportunity to invest money generated through development back into communities across Lichfield District, supporting projects and facilities that local people can enjoy and benefit from.
“This project is a great example of that in action. Working with Elford Parish Council and other partners, we’ve been able to help create a modern and welcoming space that I hope children, families and the whole community will enjoy for many years to come.”
Andy Payne, Chairman of Elford Parish Council, said:
“We are delighted to see the improvements to Elford Community Park completed and the new facilities ready for our community to enjoy.
“The previous playground had been a much-loved part of the village for many years, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and needed significant investment.
“Thanks to the support of Lichfield District Council, Tarmac and everyone who has contributed to the project, we have been able to create a fantastic new space for children and families. We hope it will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The £75,000 allocation from Lichfield District Council was supported by £35,000 in match funding from Tarmac and additional funding from Elford Parish Council, including third-party contributions and its Playground Earmarked Reserve.
Community Infrastructure Levy funding is collected from eligible new developments and can be used to support infrastructure needed to help communities accommodate and benefit from growth.