Recycled materials used for new play equipment is

A NEW climbing frame made from recycled plastic and forklift tyres has been added to the infants’ playground at St Mary & St Michael Primary School.

The tyres on which six-year-olds, left to right, Amelie Tadd, Harley Oliveira and Brooke Mathews are playing were once on the wheels of a forklift. In fact the whole of the new play equipment at St Mary & St Michael Primary School has been made from recycled materials. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 30166702)

The new addition, which cost £30,000, marks the end of a four-year fundraising pursuit by the PTFA.

PTFA chairwoman Jess Van der Linden said: ‘We’ve been trying to reduce our carbon footprint and the kids absolutely love it.’

Jess Van Der Linden, the chairwoman of the PTFA (30166710)

Plastic bottles and food containers, aluminium cans, and other recyclable waste make up the materials used to construct the frame.

The new addition has saved 1,070kg of plastic waste being sent to landfill and has a 30-year guarantee.

‘It will outlive me at this school,’ said Mrs Van der Linden.

Events such as barbecue parties and bazaars took place as part of the fundraising process, and several companies, including Ravenscroft, gave donations towards the new climbing frame.

Market-leading play area manufacturer Playquest UK was chosen to supply the playground due to its commitment to designing and manufacturing environmentally-friendly equipment, which they have said ‘is virtually maintenance free’.

Its products have a life-expectancy of at least three times the estimated lifespan of frames made from timber because recycled plastic poles will not rot once installed.