By SUZANNE ELSWORTH

THE first phase of the regeneration of Croft Park and playing fields has been officially completed.

The Mayor of Warrington, Clr Sheila Woodyatt, unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the installation of specially-designed gates, erected by Croft Parish Council to celebrate the start of the new millennium.

Matching fence panels have already been put in place either side of the new gates, but an appeal is being organised to attract organisations, community groups or individual streets to sponsor a panel each until the park's old, tatty fence is all replaced.

Clr Les Hoyle, ward councillor and chairman of the parish council, said: "Eventually every section is going to be sponsored.

"Already, the Horseshoe and Plough pubs have offered their support, as have the WI, and hopefully each road is going to buy a section too.

"Every panel will have a nameplate with it to recognise who has sponsored it."

And the regeneration doesn't stop with the fencing. Plans are under way to replace all the children's swings, roundabout and slide at the Smithy Lane park.

"We are going to renew the play equipment this year," added Clr Hoyle, "and we are hoping to get some 3C Waste funding.

"All items have to meet EEC safety rules and ROSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, will be coming to inspect the equipment.

"If anything is said to be dangerous, we will remove it, but we do want to keep the play area open and will divert funds to carry out the work if necessary."

If you would like to sponsor a section of fencing, contact Croft Parish Council clerk Gary Crowe on 819440.