Persimmon steps in to support village with pay area revamp

A village is set to see their play area upgraded with new climbing frames after Persimmon Homes helped them near their fundraising goal.

Our Thames Valley team donated £6,000 to the Kingston Blount Play Area after receiving an application through our Community Champions grant scheme.

Fundraisers have been working alongside the parish council to raise £50,000 to replace tired play equipment next to the village hall in Baker’s Piece and the latest grant takes them close to their target, allowing them to order the new equipment ready for installation later this year.

Laura Purse, of the Kingston Blount Fundraising Committee, said: “Our existing playground is over 25 years old and in a state of disrepair. Our project therefore is to refurbish this much-loved, well-used village playground in the heart of our community.

“We will be replacing damaged equipment, restoring other items and incorporating brand new equipment that will help to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of the facility as well as extending the age range of the play area.”

Parish Councillor Helen Birks said: “This is the only play facility in the parish and the committee has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to fundraise for this much-needed refurbishment.

“We are very grateful to Persimmon for the Community Champions funding, which will help significantly towards these refurbishments. This area is very special to everyone in the village, particularly small children, and they deserve to have play equipment that is safe, engaging and stimulating.”

Handing over the money, Lee Farmer, Land Director at Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We are passionate about creating a lasting legacy in the areas in which we are building, and there is no better way than supporting a project designed to give the youngest members of this community an area that allows them to explore and play in a safe place. Once the work is complete this area can once again be a hub for the village, and those living in the surrounding area.”

Cllr Ali Gordon-Creed, who represents Chinnor on South Oxfordshire District Council, joined the presentation and said: “Thank you to Persimmon for the generous grant made to the Kingston Blount playground project, this would not have happened without their support. This is something that will benefit the whole community and we are most grateful.”

Persimmon Homes Thames Valley is nearing completion on a 116-home community at nearby Greenwood Place, Chinnor, where 46 of the new homes are being transferred to housing partner Silva for those in housing need locally.