Thanks to the generosity of the community, work has now started on a project to renovate Barley’s much-loved playground.

Villagers have successfully applied for grants and secured support from local businesses to make sure the facelift can proceed.

Committee member Sam Cockrell said: “We managed to raise £33,500 during this 18 month journey, with the Barley Parish Council putting in another £10,000 to top up funds.

“This means we will be able to get both planned phases of the new playground installed in time for this summer.”

Recent grant successes include £3,000 from North Herts District Council’s Royston area committee, £3,000 from Luton Airport’s community budget, another £1,000 from a similar fund at Stansted Airport and nearly £10,000 in lottery funding.

Sam added: “We have also been incredibly fortunate to have received sponsorship from local businesses such as Johnson Matthey, Pinkster Gin, The Chequers pub and Waitrose.

“This project has really pulled together the community and we hope that the new playground and family picnic area will bring the heart of our village back to life. The children will have somewhere safe to play and enjoy for years to come.”

First on the list of jobs to do is the dismantling and removal of the existing playground and Anstey Quarry has agreed to carry out this work with no cost to the Barley Playground Refurbishment Committee.

Sam said: “We can’t thank them enough as this has enabled us to use all of the money raised for new equipment and installation costs.”

The work will begin on Saturday, and there will be no access to the playground area. Herts business Broadmead Leisure will carry out the upgrade work, and the grand opening is planned during the Barley Show on Saturday, July 9.