Joy after refurbished park made wheelchair-friendly

Campaigners have expressed their happiness after a park was refurbished with accessible play equipment.

Pinewood Way play area in Bemerton Health in Sailsbury, Wiltshire reopened on 12 January and now features a wheelchair accessible roundabout and seesaw.

Salisbury City Council made the improvements after discussions with the Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS).

DIGS CEO Kez Adey, 41, said there was "now equipment for everybody" and she could not "wait to see more disabled kids being able to play" in the park.

The park also includes a 'Make it Rain' board, which features sensory panels and rainmaker shakers which can be a gentle way for children with autism or sensory issues to play.

There is also a communication board, which has pictures and symbols to allow young people to express how they are feeling if they have little or no speech.

Adey, who has used a wheelchair since she underwent failed spinal surgery in 2013, said the old park was in need of refurbishment and the changes were "100 times better".

She said she hoped the new accessible park was "the first of many" in the town and was "excited for what is to come" for accessible play not only in Salisbury, but in other areas too.

Richard Johnson, councillor for the Bemerton Heath ward and member of Salisbury City Council's environment committee, said: "As a parent of a nearly seven-year-old, I know how vital play parks are, but my work with DIGS has highlighted just how crucial it is that all children have the chance to play.

"I'm incredibly proud to see this inclusive project in Bemerton Heath, as it's a perfect example of our vision for a more thoughtful, inclusive, and community-focused Salisbury," he added.

The improvements come after a new tarmac path was installed at the Pinewood Way Open Space in July 2024, allowing wheelchair access to the green and play area.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.