Tinkers Close Residents Association

In July 1999 a few of the Tinkers Close residents got together to think of ways to improve the play area on the Close. At the time we had only two swings and one small climbing frame for approximately 26 children to play on. In the past the Close has had a bad reputation which we have had to try to overcome - this has not been easy, as people have long memories, and some are not willing to forget.

We contacted the Local and Parish Councils who helped us to set up the Tinkers Close Residents Association. The Local Council gave us a £250 start up grant and we got to work.

In the last two years we have turned the Close into a community. Many of the residents are new tenants and care about their neighbourhood. Through fundraising we have installed a suspension bridge and stepping logs, and we have erected two raised flowerbeds. The Local Council has fenced the area off to stop children running into the road.

We have applied for further grants, and the Local Council has contributed towards the cost of a safety surface and equipment. We also applied to the Lottery Board, but were turned down; we are now re-applying, but for a smaller amount.

In the next eight weeks we are having a safety surface laid under the swings and a playhouse installed. It is hoped that we will be able to purchase two picnic benches for the children and parents to use when out on the Close.

We will not stop there, as there are many other pieces of equipment that we would like to purchase, so if you see a poster advertising one of our fundraising events, please come along and support us - play equipment is not cheap and the Tinkers Close Play Area is open to all children who want to play.

Julie Mann
Chairman