A PRIMARY School has finally been able to unveil its new play area and give its pupils a long awaited treat. Melbourn Primary School officially opened its new playground on Tuesday - a move that has taken almost two years. Original plans for the playgro

A PRIMARY School has finally been able to unveil its new play area and give its pupils a long awaited treat.

Melbourn Primary School officially opened its new playground on Tuesday - a move that has taken almost two years.

Original plans for the playground were thwarted when the equipment fell foul of the South Cambridgeshire planning department, who deemed the equipment to be too close to a neighbouring property.

The school then had to wait 20 months for their planning proposals and re-applications to go through.

Head teacher Maynard Dunlop said: "The original play equipment was too near the boundary, so we were required to move it and start again.

"I never expected to have to seek planning permission but we were keen to comply with regulations. Unfortunately the process seemed to drag on as various issues needed clarification."

The playground, which will only be used during supervised school time cost approximately £3,500 and features a variety of challenging frames, ropes and balancing beams.

The school's former PTFA chairman, Gill Collingbourne said: "The PTFA worked very hard over a number of years to raise the funds for the project, through events such as the annual spring fairs, fireworks nights and quizzes.

"I'm really pleased that the children are now able to play on the equipment and it's lovely to see them enjoying themselves."

South Cambridgeshire District Cllr Janice Guest, who had been a strong supporter of the project, joined Mr Dunlop, Mrs Collingbourne and pupils to officially cut the ribbon.

Cllr Guest said: "This issue has concerned me very much, and I have been more than happy to help. I know how hard the school has worked for this - I'm just sorry that it has taken so long."

Mr Dunlop added: "It's been a long struggle and despite the initial disappointment, it's great seeing the children having fun at long last.