Plans put forward for playground in memory of former Cumbria pupil
Arabella Kelly died in April last year
West Cumbrian allotments next to a school could be turned into an adventure playground memorial to a former pupil if the plans are approved by Cumberland Council.
The planning application, which was submitted on Monday (January 26) is for a site at Beckstone Primary School, Eadie Street, Harrington, Workington, and it is currently under consultation.
According to the application the development will be for younger pupils and it will be a memorial to a former pupil, Arabella Kelly, who died in April last year.
The form states: “It is hoped to have it ready for the anniversary of her passing of her passing in April so as discussed we would really appreciate a quick turn around with the permission to enable this to happen.
“An artist’s impression of the equipment to be installed is attached to the application, it incorporates rainbow, unicorns and butterflies, her favourite things.
“The land adjacent to the Key Stage 1 playground was gifted to the school following the death of the previous landowner by his wife and is in an ideal position for pupils to access the memorial playpark.
“The land has been used for a pigeon loft, the last use was 2018, and prior to that in the 1970s it was an area for goats and housed chickens and hens before that.
“The land in question was allotment land and half of it was purchased from by the county in 2004 to provide a safe access to the school when it was merged with two other schools so only a small portion was left which is where the pigeon loft was moved to.
“There are larger allotments surrounding this area and the school so there is ample space for further lofts and arable use and, given the county purchase which restricted access to this bit of land, there would appear no loss to the community and indeed it would be an enhancement and put to good use to be enjoyed by children well into the future.”