£12k swings are up and running in port park

Now Fleetwood’s Memorial Park has got just that - a new set of £12,000 swings thanks to the determination of a voluntary group and the help of Fleetwood Town Council.

The Friends of the Memorial Park volunteers have spent the last five years working hard to raise the cash towards the project and by early this year they had reached £6,000.

When Fleetwood Town Council agreed to match fund it, there was finally enough to buy the equipment.

The previous set of swings fell to bits and although Wyre Council has transformed the park thanks to a £2.4m upgrade after a successful Heritage and Big Lottery bid, one thing not included was new a new set of swings.

That’s all changed now. There are four swings altogether, including a specially adapted one for disabled youngsters. Since the swings were installed, they have been in constant use and are proving a great success.

Ella Fletcher, of the Friends of the Memorial Park, said after the official unveiling last Friday: “It took us five years to reach the halfway stage - we held fun days, pumpkin carving sessions, tea and coffee sessions. We’re really pleased to have them at last.”

Pat Greaves, treasurer of the Friends, said: “This is our finest achievement - it’s a physical testimony to the work our group has put in. We’re also grateful to Fleetwood Town Council for its help.”

The swings were installed by a company called Wicksteed and after the installation, the firm donated goody bags for local youngsters, including colouring books, crayons, sweets and drinks.

Coun Mike Barrowclough, vice chairman of Fleetwood Town Council, said: “You can’t have a park without swings and we’re pleased to help provide an asset like this for children in the town.”