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Accessibility statement

Howden play area to receive accessibility upgrades

Monday, 24 August 2026

Howden Commuted Sums

A Howden community play area is set to become more accessible and inclusive after The Ashes Playing Field Trust was awarded £40,089 through East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Commuted Sums Open Space Grant.

The grant will support improvements at The Ashes Playing Field on Treeton Road, Howden, helping the Trust deliver a project to install a wheelchair-accessible swing, improved access and seating.

The total project cost is £44,543.84, with The Ashes Playing Field Trust contributing £4,454.84 in match funding.

The project aims to make the playing field a more welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities. Improvements will include the installation of a fully inclusive wheelchair-accessible swing, an upgraded entrance to the playground, and a durable all-weather pathway linking key areas of the play area, including the roundabout and slide.

Accessible seating will also be included as part of the scheme, providing an inclusive rest space for children, families, older residents, carers and visitors. The improvements will support safer and more independent movement around the site and help more people enjoy outdoor play, recreation and community events at The Ashes Playing Field.

The need for the scheme was identified following a site visit and accessibility review. The application highlighted requests from local residents for a wheelchair swing, as well as the importance of improving access for wheelchair users, people with additional needs, older people and young families.

The Ashes Playing Field is free to use and open to the public, with access points from Howden town centre and nearby car parks. The site is already used by a wide range of local groups and residents, including Howden Pre-School, walking groups, sports clubs, families and community organisations.

The project will also complement the recently installed Changing Places accessible toilet in Howden town centre, helping people with complex care needs and their families make longer and more comfortable visits to the area.

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “This is a fantastic development, helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy this playing field in the heart of Howden. We’re proud to support communities across the East Riding and improve the provision of accessible facilities.”

Andy Wilson, Trustee of the Ashes Playing Field Trust, said: “We are excited to be introducing a wheelchair-accessible swing, which will create opportunities for more children, families and visitors to play together. The Ashes has always been at the heart of our community, and these improvements are an important step towards ensuring that everyone can enjoy the facilities. The Trustees would like to express their sincere gratitude to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for their funding and support in making this important project possible. We are also grateful to everyone in the community who continues to champion the need for more accessible facilities.”

The Trust said the award will enhance the play area for local families and visitors to Howden, supporting equality and diversity and ensuring the site can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.

Once complete, the new equipment and pathways will be maintained by The Ashes Playing Field Trust as part of its ongoing management of the site, including regular checks by its trained groundsman and annual playground inspections.

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