New and improved play equipment has been installed at Cropston Drive and Sharpley Avenue in Coalville - providing local children with facilities for outdoor fun and physical activity.

The project is being jointly funded, with 50 per cent of the costs covered by Aggregate Industries' Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund and the other half by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) through the Coalville Special Expenses Asset Protection budget.

Shane Tompkin, Works Manager at Bardon Hill Quarry said: ""We are delighted to be able to support these projects which will have a real impact for local people and families.

"Bardon Hill is our flagship site where we've been operating for more than 160 years.

"With many of our people based there from the local area, it is really important to us to support the local community in this way."

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change at NWLDC, said: "We are delighted to see these much-needed improvements made to our local play areas. The new play equipment will offer fresh and exciting play opportunities for children in the community, enhancing outdoor recreation spaces for years to come.

"Investing in outdoor spaces for children and families is a key priority, and we are grateful to Aggregate Industries' Bardon Hill Quarry for their support in making this project a reality.

"We can't wait for the community to enjoy these fantastic new facilities."

Cropston Drive

With work having started on Wednesday, February 12, new play equipment has been installed at Cropston Drive. The project includes the removal of old structures and the addition of rubber surfacing for improved safety.

The existing swing, bin and seat will remain. Surfacing work began on Thursday, February 20, and the play area is now open for use by local people.

Sharpley Avenue

The installation of new play equipment at Sharpley Avenue began on Tuesday, February 18. The project includes the removal of the multi-play unit and seesaw, with new rubber surfacing.

Surfacing work started on Friday, February 21, and an inspection was scheduled for Monday, February 24.

To ensure a smooth installation process, security fencing has been erected around the working, storage, and waste areas. A designated grass area outside each play area has been used for storage, welfare facilities, and waste skips.