Campaigners for improvements to the play equipment on the King George V playing fields in Newcastle Emlyn have expressed disappointment at what they claim are misleading and negative articles which have appeared in the current editions of local newspapers ‘The Tivyside’ and ‘The Carmarthen Journal’.
The articles were written following ill-tempered exchanges between Town Councillors at their monthly meeting last week. The Councillors were not aware of the good progress being made by the Action Group and Playing Fields Committee and some made very negative comments. The Tivyside newspaper did not contact the organizers to ask for a campaign update before publication of its article.
Sue Tabbitt
Sue Tabbitt of the Action Group explained to Newcastle-emlyn.com that:
“The Action Group is now working closely and proactively with the King George V Playing Fields Committee (of which I am a member), to ensure that we are all working together for a rapid resolution to this ongoing problem of a lack of decent outdoor play facilities for the children of this town.
“Members of the Action Group have now joined the Playing Fields Committee and Fiona White, now a Town Councillor, now attends meetings and is working closely with us on tracking down new grants to apply for, and on filling in the forms very comprehensively.
“We had a very successful Bingo Night at the local sports club earlier this month (early April) which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and more are planned.
“The Fun Day** will make full use of the Playing Fields and aims to make a big splash, with bouncy castles, an auction of promises, and loads of child-oriented activities (face painting, crafts, etc). A big feature of the day is that Playworld UK, a firm which makes and fits playground equipment, is coming down, free of charge, with laptops and images, so that the town’s children (of all ages) can participate proactively in designing their own ideal playground, to make them feel more involved, and so that the town can see what the new playground could look like if the funds come in this year.
“We urge everyone to support come and support the event, and this important cause.”
Sue Tabbitt has written to the Tivyside newspaper to correct their article.
**The Fun Day referred to above will take place on Saturday 31st May, between 10am and 4pm, at the current playground site in Newcastle Emlyn on the King George V playing fields, next to the central car park. All are welcome; there will be activities for all. All funds raised go directly towards the new playground.
