A VILLAGE S 40-year campaign to get a children s playground installed is finally over. Work on the new facility in Sewards End is complete and the parish council and village hall committee – who have jointly facilitated the project - will unveil it in a l

A VILLAGE'S 40-year campaign to get a children's playground installed is finally over.

Work on the new facility in Sewards End is complete and the parish council and village hall committee - who have jointly facilitated the project - will unveil it in a low key event on Sunday.

Former vice-chairman of the committee and parish councillor, Alice Olley, said it will be "quite an emotional day for the people of the village".

She said: "This has taken a very long time. A lot of people have been involved and worked very hard to pull it off so it is good news for everybody.

"There is a lovely community in the village and I'm so pleased that future generations are going to be able to enjoy the playground."

The event, aside from signalling an important date in the village's history, will bring an end to four decades of grant gathering and fundraising.

Funding for the playground - which cost around �50,000 in total - came from various grants including a �30,000 grant for Essex County Council's Community Initiative Grant. Support was also received from Essex Environment Trust.

The village hall committee has also held numerous fundraising events over the years, such as the village fete and quiz nights.

The new playground - on the village green, adjacent to the village hall - contains wooden equipment, is based on an agricultural theme, and is aimed at under-12s

"The playground is brilliant but also harmonious with the setting. There is something a bit different about it," said Mrs Olley.

Sewards End Village Fete is being held on Sunday July 12, at Campions in Walden Road. The fun day will see the usual attractions on display, including tombola, bouncy castle, cream teas, bar and barbecue, as well as vintage cars.

Proceeds go to organisations in the village.