MenuAmble Town Council has a small toddler play area off Phillip Drive which has a climbing frame and a spring ride. A weekly inspection and litter pick takes place and a yearly safety check is made. The area was repainted in Spring 2012 and it is hoped that everyone will look after it.
Please report to the police anyone you see misusing the area- this can be anonymously- as replacing equipment is expensive- the small Spring Horse cost almost £1000.
Paddlers Park
This area had fallen into disrepair and we were greatly concerned about the neglected look of it. Over the years since the paddling pools became unsustainable due mostly to leakage and surface damage, there have been lots of discussions with Northumberland County Council to try and get something done here.
There was a bid to the ‘Wild Play’ fund in 2009 but this was unsuccessful as the Government withdrew the funding at the last stage. Northumberland County Council promised to resurface the pool areas.
In October 2013 tired of the broken promises and frustrated at the lack of action, Amble Town Council commissioned consultants to carry out a feasibility study to see what could be done to bring this area back to a recreational site- the first necessary phase of applying for grant funding.
The problems with the existing pool areas meant that they can no longer be used as such and due to Health & Safety issues and running costs, new ones would add over 25% to the annual Parish Tax bill! Due to this, other ideas had to be considered. By Easter 2014, after many meetings, a ‘do able’ scheme was arrived at; concept drawings were displayed to the public in May at the Parish Meeting, May/June during Puffin Festival and again in mid July; negotiations started with NCC, the owners in mid September.
Despite a long slow progress, a final scheme allowing for a water feature and trim trail equipment was put in place funded by NCC, Ward Councillors from their Members Small Scheme money and this Council. Work was completed in 2016 and the Park was officially opened by the Countess of Wessex.
The area is regularly cleaned and checked and has a ROSPA inspection carried out every year. A telescope was added so the boats passing by could be viewed and in 2017, the safety surface was replaced in the children’s play area. The Amenities Committee is looking at adding new features as finance becomes available.