Swift launch for St Annes play area (From Blackpool Citizen)

Swift launch for St Annes play area

7:20am Sunday 7th December 2008

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Children in St Annes have been given an early Christmas present as a newly revamped play area has been opened ahead of time.

Hove Road Park, just off St Albans Road near the YMCA, has been transformed as part of the ‘Shaping the Place’ regeneration project. A new toddler area has been added as well as a multi-use games area and other pieces of play equipment and new CCTV cameras.

Staff from Fylde Borough Council have been working on the park after consultation with residents and children who use the area.

The park has been opened up by the removal of perimeter fencing and new shrubbery and attractive planting is planned.

Councillor Dawn Prestwich, representative for the area, said: “I have been very pleased the project is on track. The new games area is a safe and well equipped area for young people and it is excellent we can open for Christmas.”

Work is still on-going with the design of a new park entrance.

Children from the three local schools - Heyhouses, Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Thomas’ - have been working together with community artist Shane Johnstone to come up with a suitable design.

The basis for the design work has been confirmed as local hero and will be based on former journalist Frank Swift, who played football for Manchester City and England and died in 1958 in the Munich air disaster.

As a youngster Frank is said to have played football on Hove Road park when it was part of the YMCA football pitches.

The children’s work, will include a mosaic and sculpture.

A formal opening will take place next spring and it is hoped many people who knew Frank will be at the opening.

If you have information or artefacts referring to Frank playing on the park, call 01253 658441.

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