A project aimed at getting five new benches installed around Chaddlewood has taken a step closer after funding was secured from a local accountancy business, Green Party councillors, donations from members of the public and a £3,100 grant from Plymouth City Council’s City Change Fund.
At the end of 2022 a number of like minded people, all with an interest or involvement with the Chaddlewood area, began meeting to talk about the formulation of a community group and to have ideas about what the purpose and aims of the group should be.
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In April 2023 Chaddlewood Friends and Neighbours Society (FANS) was formed, a committee voted in and the group’s constitution agreed.
Their next aim was to increase membership and also to find out what projects people would like to see taking place in the Chaddlewood community.
The inspiration for the five new benches came after the group held four consultations and community mapping sessions, designed to ensure the community had the opportunity to air their views and make suggestions about improvements to the area.
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Many asked for benches as, other than in parks, there are presently only two over Chaddlewood’s hilly terrain and spread out area. The locations for the new benches were suggested by those who gave input to the FANS consultation and the sites have now been agreed by the council.
Chaddlewood Field, Steer Park Road and land by the Totnes Close play area will be getting eco rest benches, Redwood Heights Park will be getting a Stanford bench and a simple eco rest bench (with no back or arms) will be installed in the green area in front of Bee subway.
Funding for the benches was kick started by a donation from Chaddlewood-based Marslands Accountants, run by Michele Marsland who has lived in Chaddlewood for over 30 years.
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Michele said:
“It’s good to give back to my local community which I have always been very involved in. I’m glad Chaddlewood FANS are addressing this issue for future residents.”
Green Party Councillors Ian Poyser and Lauren McLay also pledged some of their community funds towards the project.
A Crowdfunder was also launched to try and bring the project to fruition and after local people got behind it the crowdfunder achieved its target last month.
£3,100 of match funding also came from Plymouth City Council once the number of public donors reached 25 and donations reached a quarter of the overall cost.
FANS also have other projects in the pipeline, details of which will be announced in due course.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
