Play area soon to be called Chuckle Park is opened

The upgraded kids’ facilities on Oldfield Road in East Herringthorpe hosted sporting activities from the Titans Community Foundation to mark the milestone.

Rotherham Council funded the revamp through a combination of budgets following consultation from residents in the area.

The work took several months – creating a multi-use games area and adding new bins and inclusive play equipment.

And the play area is set to be named Chuckle Park in honour of famous brothers Barry and Paul, who grew up in East Herrinthorpe.

The idea for the new name came from ward councillor Michael Bennett-Sylvester following RMBC’s 2019 rejection of the Advertiser’s Chuckle Park idea for a Rotherham town centre tribute.

Cllr Bennett-Sylvester said: “The bottom line is I’ve got the admin to do but I’m lazy and the fault lies with me.

“Others are receptive to it. It’s a case of me pulling my finger out, but I will crack on with it.”

Cllr Bennett-Sylvester and ward colleague Cllr Joanna Baker-Rogers added in a statement: “We are delighted to see the completion of the refurbishment of the play area.

“We recognise the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable place for children and young people to play and socialise, which we hope the improvements will help to deliver.”

The project is the second large investment in the neighbourhood in the past year, following the improvements outside Ridgeway stores funded by RMBC’s Towns and Villages Fund.

Deputy leader Cllr Sarah Allen said: “As a council, we are committed to investing and improving neighbourhoods across Rotherham.

“The project is an excellent example of neighbourhood working and how it supports the delivery of local plans and priorities.”

The play area work was carried out by Sheffield-based Lightmain, supported by the Probation Service’s Community Payback scheme. About 20 youngsters took part in the Titans’ activities.

Cllr David Sheppard, cabinet member for social inclusion, added: “It was a pleasure to be part of the event and to see the community coming together to enjoy the new facilities.

“Including and involving residents in local decision making improves how we work with communities and helps all our neighbourhoods to thrive.”