Playground celebrates new accessible roundabout thanks to National Highways donation

A defunct roundabout that was one of the few wheelchair-accessible pieces of equipment at a Shropshire playground has been replaced with a flush-to-ground design. National Highways funded £10,000 of the £13,014 cost after roadworks disrupted the village.

The new accessible roundabout at Longmeadow playground, which officially opened on Thursday, replaces a much-loved but defunct piece of play equipment that had served the community of Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury for 22 years.

The play area is managed by Bayston Hill Parish Council and is not only popular with local families, but also children who travel from further afield to enjoy its welcoming setting, including children who use wheelchairs.

The total cost of the replacement was £13,014, with National Highways contributing £10,000 from its Community Legacy Fund and the remainder coming from the parish council.

The National Highways contribution was connected to essential road surface improvements, resurfacing, and maintenance work which completed this Spring on the A49 between Bayston Hill and Condover.

National Highways Route Manager, Joe Walmsley, said:

“We know the works on the A49 caused some disruption to Bayston Hill, from overnight closures to extra traffic on local roads, and so we wanted to find a way to give something back to the community once the work had finished.

“It was fantastic to see the new roundabout officially opened and to watch children of all abilities, including those who use wheelchairs, enjoying it together. This is a space that means a lot to this community, and we’re really pleased to have played a part in bringing it back to life.”

(Left – right) Councillor Rob Ruscoe chairman of Bayston Hill Parish Council, Olivia Markham, Sarah Edwards and Julie Hodgkiss from Bayston Hill Parish Council, Zoe Mandell-Wilkins and Joseph Walmsley from National Highways, Rory Markham, and Shropshire Council’s Councillor for Bayston Hill, Teri Trickett.

The previous roundabout, installed more than two decades ago, was one of the few pieces of equipment accessible to wheelchair users, and its loss had been keenly felt by the community.

The new equipment offers a modern, land-level design suitable for children with disabilities, with a longer life expectancy than the equipment it replaces.

Councillor Teri Trickett was instrumental in the upgrade of the playground and said:

“Bayston Hill is significantly impacted by the National Highways network, so it’s particularly good to see this investment benefiting our community. It’s a great example of collaborative working with such a positive result for local children and families.”

Councillor Rob Ruscoe, Chairman of Bayston Hill Parish Council, added:

“We were delighted when we were awarded the money from National Highways to replace our 22-year-old roundabout that had stopped rotating. This new equipment is fitted flush to the ground for easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs and we hope that many generations will carry on enjoying Longmeadow playground.”

The project supports National Highways’ commitment to social value, contributing to community wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, and economic prosperity in the areas affected by its road schemes.

The National Highways Community Legacy Fund provides grants from £500 up to £10,000 for non-profit groups and charities. It supports local projects near major roadworks that improve community wellbeing, the environment, economic prosperity, or inclusion.