A COMMUNITY-led project has resulted in a playground for youngsters and a safer route to school.

Moor Farm Community Association, Trinity Primary School and Herefordshire Council have all worked together to create two playgrounds for younger and older children.

The areas on the high bank of Yazor Brook in Hereford were officially opened on May 16 at a fun day.

The association and council raised £98,000 to create the playgrounds, which are linked by a new footpath and bridge, built using £28,000 raised by the school, the city council and Herefordshire council.

The Moor Farm estate was built in the 1960s with no playground provided.

Mike Francis, chair of the association, said: “Playgrounds keep children off the streets and give them somewhere to call their own.”

The footpath and bridge are used to relieve the daily traffic congestion near the school gates as families are now able to park at The Range car park (courtesy of the store) and walk across.

Herefordshire Council has been involved from start to finish with the project, providing the public land and agreeing to maintain the playgrounds for their lifetime.

The association, which is made up of residents living on the estate, now hopes to provide a community centre on the estate, or close by.

The main financial contributors were Veolia Environmental Trust, Hereford City Council and the Armed Forces Covenant .

They also received grants from the Big Lottery, the Clothworkers Foundation, Severn Waste Environmental Fund, New Grove Trust, West Mercia Police Commissioners Scheme, Western Power Distribution, Kiers Construction and Hereford Rotary Club. Trinity Primary School had a grant from the Sustainable Travel Fund.

The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary in September. Children added their own input by suggesting what play equipment they would like to see at the playgrounds.