TWO Olympic athletes opened a new village play area after it underwent a huge £265,000 revamp.

Retired javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread and GB gymnast Courtney Tulloch helped reopen the Strutt Memorial Ground in Hatfield Peverel.

The ground has benefitted from cash raised through housing developments.

The play area has now been upgraded with inclusive play equipment and facilities.

They includes a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, basket swing, play panels for sensory play, sit-in springer and a brand-new play unit with tunnels, slides and a climbing tower. 

Old paving slabs and surfacing were also replaced to create a play area which can be accessed all year around.

Residents will also benefit from a new outdoor gym with a range of adjustable equipment suitable for all fitness levels, including exercise bikes, a leg press, cross trainer and other facilities.

A new path has also been installed connecting the nearby car park to the gym area to create easier access. 

Braintree and Witham Times: Diane Wallace from Hatfield Peverel Parish Council, Bellway Essex representative Sophie Payne, Hatfield Peverel ward councillor Charley Dervish and Braintree Council chairman Diana GarrodDiane Wallace from Hatfield Peverel Parish Council, Bellway Essex representative Sophie Payne, Hatfield Peverel ward councillor Charley Dervish and Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod (Image: Bellway Essex)

The opening ceremony was organised by Hatfield Peverel Parish Council, and also attended by Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Ian Twinley, health and wellbeing organisations and Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod.

The parish council has been working with Braintree Council to spend contributions from several housing developments in the village, including Mulberry Green, Bury Lane, Hatfield Grove, Station Road and Mortimer Place, and Gleneagles Way. 

Parish council chairman Mark Weale was thrilled to see the opening of the upgraded site.

He said: "We are delighted to unveil our new, state-of-the-art outdoor gym facility and children's play area, the culmination of years of diligent effort and community consultation and support. 

“It is truly rewarding to witness this project come to fruition.

“Our hope is that these facilities will not only promote health and wellbeing in our community, but also provide a space where families can come together, enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories."