A play area aiming to bring a sense of community and togetherness has had a brilliant response, and plans to progress it are in the pipeline.

The Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard open only earlier this year off Gundry Road, but has had such a positive impact on local residents.

Siobhan Dashwood, a member of the Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard, said: "The feedback since opening has been resoundingly positive and one of the loveliest aspects is that of an increased sense of community, parents and carers along with their children are coming together to play, to enjoy the space and meet their neighbours.

"At a time when we have had to be so 'distant', the space is providing a heartening antidote to the isolation these most unusual times have imposed on us all.

"And now more than ever, the need for human connectedness and strengthening our community has been the most wonderful time to establish the park."

The next phase of the project is to raise more funds to "maximise accessibility and inclusivity of play opportunities within the park" and establish the community wellbeing area.

Siobhan added: "The feedback from those using the space is that they'd like somewhere to sit. Members of the committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, writing bids and applying to local organisations for money toward seating.

"The generosity of Brit Valley Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Bridport has meant that the committee will soon be able to provide seating in the play area.

"In addition to this, the committee has been undertaking the mammoth task of setting up a bank account for a community group in a pandemic - which has been nothing short of a miracle.

"The committee are delighted to say an account is now set up and we are in a position to fundraise for the next stage of equipment for the play area."

With Christmas around the corner, the committee has decided to organise a Christmas trail fundraiser around the Howard Close, Howard Road, Valley View and Gundry Road estate between December 19 and 24.

Houses around the estate will display a letter in their window and families can join in the fun by buying a goodie bag and map indicating where to find the letters which can then be unjumbled to reveal a festive message.

Details of how to get involved can be found on the Lower Walditch Play Area and Orchard Facebook page or by emailing [email protected]

If you are interested in supporting the work of the committee, have any ideas, skills or contacts, members would love to hear from you.

Background of the Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard

In a move led by Ann Loades, residents of the Howard Road, Howard Close, Valley View and Gundry Road estate at Lower Walditch came together in 2019 to save an area of the field in Gundry Road for play space after they were surprised to see allotments were put in.

They worked with Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council and Bridport Town Council and proposed a multi-purpose recreational area with the allotments, community space and play area. Members also received a help and advice from Joanna Keats of Dorset Community Action and Arthur Woodgate of Bridport Young Persons' Action Trust.

Seven local residents formed the Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard committee and set to work, with the views of those living on the estate also gathered. All households were canvassed by leaflets and a questionnaire and the feedback was in favour of play equipment and a shared community space alongside.

Siobhan said: "The aim became to create a space for the enjoyment of all local residents with dedicated play equipment catering to all ages and abilities, as well as a wellbeing area adjacent with seating, opportunities to grow food for the community and a place for relaxation and recreation.

"Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard hopes to bring together those in our immediate community and re-establish connections with our neighbours and our environment."

The parish council successfully applied for Section 106 funding on the committee's behalf and enabled them to install the play equipment.

The work was done by Play Quest, which had recently completed a project at Powerstock School, but works were delayed until July. They were largely completed and the play area was able to open just in time for the school summer holidays and when other parks and play areas were reopening after lockdown.