FELSTED residents have set up a project group to push ahead with major plans for improved children s play facilities. Calling themselves FACE (Felsted Action for Children s Equipment), the group already has its first objective in sight by laying down a ch

FELSTED residents have set up a project group to push ahead with major plans for improved children's play facilities.

Calling themselves FACE (Felsted Action for Children's Equipment), the group already has its first objective in sight by laying down a challenge to organisations, clubs, societies and businesses in the area to collectively raise at least £2009 towards the costs of new equipment during 2009.

Carole Young, FACE treasurer, said: "Evidence of locally raised funds helps in filling in the application forms for grants. We are inviting local organisations to pick from a 'shopping list' of fund raising ideas."

The ideas shopping list contains sponsored toddler toddles, Brownie silences, coffee mornings, cake stalls, concerts, beetle drives, plant sales, book sales, a village fete, boot sales, table top sales, car washes, Christmas tree events, race evenings, (hymn) sing-in marathons, village wide garage sale and a 50/50 club.

During the spring of 2009 the first stage of the project will be achieved with the installation of a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area suitable for basketball, netball and five-a-side football).

This is being funded by a National Lottery Grant of £45,000 and further funding is being applied for from the Football Foundation.

Once this is in place the project group can move forward with plans to relocate and re-equip the children's play area.

Mother and committee member Katie Ball said: "This is why I joined the FACE committee. We need new and challenging play equipment not just for my five year old son but for all the children in the village.

"Felsted Parish Council is supporting the effort with £17,500, but more funds will be needed," she added.

FACE chairman and parish councillor, Alan Thawley, said: "It seems years since the parish council discussed the need for improvements to the playing field, it is good to see something happening at last. A ground plan is in place and in the next years we will also see the football pitch levelled and repositioned so as to make room for an additional (junior size) pitch. A site has also been earmarked for a replacement pavilion.