A CAMPAIGNER is certain that youngsters in an East Hampshire border community will have a new play area by the end of this year.
The pledge by Pai Tang-George comes after plans for the much-needed facility in Rake were approved by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).
The play area has been earmarked for land next to the tennis courts and community orchard near the village hall.
But securing grants and further funding hasn’t been child’s play as Mrs Tang-George and supporters are now playing a waiting game.
“I’ve put in funding for a £75,000 grant from Biffa and we’re now waiting for them to get back to us,” said the mother-of-two.
“We probably won’t know until March if we’ve been successful and the size of the play area will rest on what they give us.
“But now we’ve got planning permission that’s good news and a big help and we can definitely go for more grants as there’s no hitches.”
Pai and fellow Rake village hall committee members are determined to create the play area as there’s nothing in the community for young residents.
There hasn’t been a play area in the village for 25 years and the nearest is two miles away.
More than a dozen villagers are part of the working party, and more than £10,000 has already been secured thanks to grants from the likes of Rogate Parish Council, the Hampshire Playing Fields Association and donations from generous residents.
The size of the play facility will be dependant on funds raised but initial plans drawn up by specialists, Wicksteed, for the Brewells Lane site include a timber seat, springer, Rock n Bowl roundabout, multiplay unit, swings, Rotaweb and picnic table.