Children and residents rejoiced as a new playground in Henbury was officially opened to the public.

The play area on the Millennium Green in the village was formally opened by Macclesfield MP David Rutley last Saturday (July 12).

Mr Rutley was helped to cut the red ribbon at the play park’s opening by Heidi and Freddie France and Tobie and Elliot Jones, the children of people who were on the team responsible for delivering the facility.

The play area – which is designed for children up to 10 years of age and took three years to plan and build – was erected after recommendations made by residents of the village in the Henbury Parish Plan.

David said: “It is great to see this play area in place and being used by so many local children. I am most grateful to project manager Roy Thornton, his team and all the funding bodies who have made this possible. The play area will make a real difference to the lives of families in the village.”

During the grand unveiling Roy thanked the other members of the project team for all their hard work and the Millennium Green Trust – which owns and maintains the green - and the Parish Council for their support.

Principal funding for the project was granted to the Millennium Green Trust by a landfill communities fund grant from FCC Environment, which was administered by not-for-profit funding agency Wren.

Peter Cox, managing director of Wren, said: “Wren is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to communities children and families. The Henbury Play Area will provide a fantastic space for local children to have fun. We are delighted to support the Millennium Green Trust with this project.”

Other funding for the park came from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund, Cheshire East Council and Peaks and Plains Housing Trust.