by Sue Read

WHEN Mid Devon District Council announced it would no longer support the play area at Yeoford, there was despondency among the village youngsters.

Not any more. On Saturday, November 4, they thoroughly tested the equipment after the official opening of the new play park and gym area.

When Mid Devon District Council said it would leave the play area to go into a "managed decline", Yeoford Community Association carried out a survey among the young people as to what they would like.

The 95 responses were assessed and what is there now was the result. Kompan was chosen to design, provide and install the equipment and Crediton Hamlets Parish Council will now pay the district council to carry out the safety inspections.

Thanking Yeoford Community Association for stepping in to save the play area when the district council in effect abdicated responsibility, parish council vice chairman, John Stevens, said they had done a fantastic job.

One of the Yeoford Community Association trustees, Tabitha Maynard, explained that funding had come from some of the proceeds of the sale of the old village hall land plus a part contribution from Section 106 funds.

Tabitha added that people had overwhelmingly said this sort of thing was what they wanted after the district council announcement.

There are three sorts of swing including a baby swing, climb and slide for two-to-eight year-olds, a bigger unit for six years-plus, a roundabout as well as a glide and slide and gym equipment for 13-plus years.

There is also an App code where users can find out what exercises they can do and monitor their progress.

Tabitha said the equipment was all bespoke for Yeoford.