Dereham set to get new playgrounds and refurbishments

Applications for new play areas in Old Becclesgate and Sandy Lane, in Dereham, have been submitted, while the playgrounds at School Lane, Recreation Ground and Girling Road will see a complete refurbishment.   

The proposal for Girling Road's revamp includes equipment for children with disabilities. 

A wheelchair carousel, swings, springer bowl and a dino swing are some of the few installations planned.

Antony Needham, Dereham Town Council clerk, said: "We held a public consultation for Girling Road and Old Becclesgate, and the response has been really positive.

"It's good to see the community get behind something like this, and it will hopefully be good for the kids during summer.

Plans for the Girling Road refurbishment, which will include a wheelchair carousel, can be found on Breckland Council's planning portal. (Image: Dereham Town Council)
"The driving motivation for this work has been the town council’s long-term commitment to improving play and open space provision in Dereham," Mr Needham said.

In 2020, the town council commissioned a study that identified a shortfall of play provision in the north of Dereham and this work will help address this deficit. 

"We've taken this information and channelled it into an idea to have one play area within walking distance for residents nearby," said Mr Needham.

The new play areas, as well as the refurbishment work, are part of a £430,000-upgrade to playgrounds across the town.

Refurbishment work on Recreation Ground was believed to have been completed on June 14.

Applications for Sandy Lane, Old Becclesgate and Girling Road remain subject to planning approval, which is set to be determined on July 2. 

"We hope to be in a position to place an order for the equipment soon after this meeting," said Mr Needham.