YOUNGSTERS in part of Felixstowe today have a new play area thanks to a successful money-raising campaign.

YOUNGSTERS in part of Felixstowe today have a new play area thanks to a successful money-raising campaign.

The Adastral Close Residents' Association raised £26,000 for the project and is now setting about raising another £40,000 for the second phase of the development.

The 70-home estate is former RAF housing but is now owned and managed by Orwell Housing Association. Residents say it is too far from most of the play facilities in the town.

Association secretary Alison Davis said the new play equipment was not just for the children of the estate but for all those in the southern area of the town.

She said: “There are a lot of low income families in this area who cannot afford subscriptions to clubs or facilities.

“It is also quite a walk from here even to Langer Park so we felt it was very important to provide these facilities here for the children.

“It was hard work but very rewarding to raise the money and we have all been thrilled to see the children playing on the equipment and really enjoying it. They are policing it themselves and very proud of it, looking after it and keeping it nice.”

Grants came from a variety of sources, including Suffolk Coastal District Council, Felixstowe Town Council, Suffolk Acre, Orwell Housing Association and fundraising by the residents.

The play area, opened by mayor of Felixstowe Cyril Webb, includes a tiny tots area for under sixes with an adventure play system, and an aerial runway for older children. A space net is being added in September.

Phase two of the scheme, for which fundraising is now under way, will see a 30m by 30m all-weather multi-play surface constructed for ball games, such as football, netball, basketball and hockey.

Are there sufficient play facilities in your part of town? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk