COMMUNITY leaders have heaped praise upon Chickerell residents who helped smash their fundraising target for two new play areas in the town by £1,000.

Chickerell Town Council wants to build both a multi-use games area and a children’s play area on land at Willowbed Field.

Now local campaign group Chickerell@Play has come up with £9,000 towards the £175,000 project – well over its initial target.

One elderly resident donated his 90th birthday present – £150 in cash – and children as young as four helped to raise money.

The project came about after schoolgirl Ellie Cleaver-Coles wondered why her community didn’t have a decent playground. She addressed fellow pupils in a special assembly at Chickerell Primary School.

Year five pupil Billy Doonan then won a competition for the best playground design with a giant hamster wheel.

Mayor of Chickerell John Worth said: “It is wonderful how hard everyone has worked to raise money for these exciting community projects.

“I congratulate the Chickerell@Play group.”

Coun Worth said it was now very important that all Chickerell residents felt included in the play area plans.

“The town council will be exhibiting drawings and explaining how the two facilities will be responsibly and sensitively managed to fit in with everyone’s needs,” he said.

“We need to work with everyone on this and will be actively publicising our plans so people can have a say.”

If planning permission is granted the two play areas will be sited on Willowbed Field, which is owned and managed by Chickerell Town Council.

The rest of the £175,000 will come from Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council and the town council itself, with further funds from CG Fry & Sons.

Chickerell@Play members Julie Cleaver and Leanne Carter said the support from the local community had been ‘outstanding’.

“The spirit of Chickerell really shone through in this fundraising project, with everyone now looking forward to enjoying the new recreation facilities in Chickerell,” said Julie.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported, donated and attended the many events which have been held.”