Come out to play! (From Warrington Guardian)

Come out to play!

AN AREA of Old Hall that had become a 'no-go' zone was given an £80,000 facelift - and here is the impressive result.

The land, between Lander Close and Ross Close, had become overgrown, slippery and dark.

Residents felt intimidated when using it and it had become a hideout for teenagers.

Arena Housing Association worked with Old Hall Community Association and Groundwork Mersey Valley to improve the stretch of neglected land.

Residents played an important role in the planning of the development, contributing their thoughts on how they would like to see the land used.

Stephanie Allen, Arena's customer service manager, said: "Arena is committed to continuously improving our residents' quality of life and we wanted to find a way of improving their area.

"With the support of our partners and with the help of residents we were able to devise a plan that enabled us to secure sufficient funding to transform the land into an area that can be enjoyed by the entire community."

The improvements saw extra lighting installed, along with a new path, the removal of some bushes and shrubs; tree thinning and a small toddlers' play area was built at its centre.

Arena Bonus Fund contributed £26,000 for the development, with Waste Recycling Environment Ltd (WREN), Warrington Borough Council's Environment Improvement Fund, The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Operation Gate also providing financial support.

Its completion marks the end of three years of work to improve the area.