Posted on Monday 10th February 2025
Mainly Moseley Railway Trust volunteers at the current play area.
A children’s play area at a popular attraction is due for a revamp thanks to a local charity and funding from the county council.
The Moseley Railway Trust run the Apedale Valley Light Railway at Apedale Country Park in Newcastle. The volunteers there have developed the site since the railway opened, which now includes a popular play area for visitors and children.
The railway, entirely operated by volunteers, attracts around 8000 visitors per year and due to its popularity, the play area now requires a refurbishment.
The group have received £200.00 funding from Staffordshire County Council’s Community Fund towards the improvement costs. Improvements will include an extension to the existing area and the installation of a new surface. Work is expected to start during March 2025.
Talking about the project, Simon Lomax, acting chair of the Moseley Railway Trust, said
“This grant will help the Trust develop this site amenity.
“It’s a great way to help visitors enjoy the site, and nothing is better than getting children active and exploring both the industrial heritage of Staffordshire and the great outdoors”.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Apedale Country park is a wonderful place to visit and is a great day out for all the family.
“It’s fantastic that the play area has been used so much and that the charity have a plan to restore it to its former glory. It’s also great that the community funding has been able to support the project. We’re all looking forward to the new-look area and can’t wait to welcome even more families to the site.”
Staffordshire County Council’s Local Community Fund gives all county councillors an allocation of up to £2,500 to spend on community projects in their area. This current fund has now closed and details of future funds will be available on the webpage.