£10k boost transforms playground at Denton primary school

A Denton primary school is celebrating a major playground transformation after receiving a £10,000 donation from National Highways’ Community Legacy Fund.

St Anne’s Primary School used the funding to replace its ageing infant playground, which had become unfit for purpose due to its condition. The area has now been resurfaced and covered with artificial grass, creating a safer outdoor space for pupils to enjoy all year round.

National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Chris Court said the project shows the positive impact of the fund on local communities.

“We are so pleased to see the improvements the school has made to its playground and even better seeing the children using it,” he said.

“This is a perfect example of how our Community Legacy Fund can go towards a worthwhile project that will benefit schoolchildren for many years to come.”

Headteacher Kirsty Rimmer welcomed the upgrade, highlighting its benefits for outdoor learning.

“The funding from National Highways has improved the provision of outdoor learning for our children, helping them to engage in physical activities every day regardless of the weather,” she said.

“It has been a real improvement for the school community, and we would like to thank National Highways for their contribution.”

The school is located next to St Anne’s Bridge, which crosses the M67 and has recently been replaced as part of a three-year £23m scheme delivered by National Highways in partnership with Tilbury Douglas.

Due to its proximity, the school community was impacted by the works, with the bridge closed from January 2023, affecting travel to and from the site.

Earlier this year, pupils were given the honour of officially reopening the bridge, joining the Reverend Philip Brierley of St Anne’s Church to cut the ribbon at a special ceremony. The bridge was also blessed during a short service.

The moment was particularly special for teaching assistant Diane Spensley, who has a lifelong connection to the school spanning more than 50 years. A former pupil, she has worked at St Anne’s for the past 27 years, and her own children also attended the school.

She recalled how the motorway and bridge have always been part of school life.

“You could watch the motorway being built from the grounds of St Anne’s Church,” Diane said. “We would do topics about the motorway as children then and still do today.”

When the M67 opened in 1981, Diane joined hundreds of local residents walking its length through Denton as part of a community celebration.

Throughout the bridge replacement project, National Highways and Tilbury Douglas worked closely with the school, delivering assemblies, safety lessons and supporting school events.

Diane added: “Having been part of St Anne’s for so many years, it’s special to see the children enjoying their new playground. We’re very grateful to National Highways and Tilbury Douglas for all their support to the school.”