Borough councillors have given their unanimous backing for the Calverley Grounds playground project.
Council leader David Jukes praised the £225,000 scheme for a new children’s facility on the former bowling green, which campaigners hope could be delivered next Spring.
Speaking at last week’s borough cabinet meeting, Cllr Jukes said the council was “100 per cent behind the scheme,” though he confirmed it was unable to assist with financing the venture.
He said: “This is a wonderful example of what can be done when you get the right people in the right place with the right scheme.”
Jane March, the council’s portfolio holder said: “I have been blown away by the optimism from the community over this, and also of the commitment shown by the Friends of Calverley Grounds, who would like to see the playground implemented.”
Kate Bourne, a Tunbridge Wells parent and member of Friends of Calverley Grounds, presented the case for the playground.
She said: “The playground will be valuable for thousands of families in Tunbridge Wells, as well as surrounding villages. This will be right in the town centre and it couldn’t be in a more suitable place. It will have an important economic impact on the town.”
The Friends of Calverley Grounds group is seeking to set up a charitable trust in relation to its fundraising plans, and it is seeking public feedback on a formal name for its playground scheme.
