"Village square gets fun makeover as part of police community pledge"

There is a painted bike and scooter track as well as hop scotch



A Coventry village square has been transformed into a floor-paint play area for children by West Midlands Police.

It is all part of their pledge to improve the community and help families.

The project has seen Hillfields Square given a fun makeover with the addition of a painted bike and scooter track, hop scotch, board games and mazes.

Funding is from a national Safer Streets initiative which provides money for community and crime prevention schemes.

Officers from the St Michaels Neighbourhood Police Team 3 prepared a detailed bid for cash to fund improvements − and it saw them land a cheque from the Government of more than half a million pounds.

PCSO Lauren Galloway has driven the project forward alongside Coventry City Council and Citizen Housing.

She said: “Around 1,000 local residents overlook Hillfields Square and many of them are young families living in the five high-rise tower blocks.

“The nearest park is about half a mile away so we consulted with local people about ways we could help and there was overwhelming support for this painted play area.

“There is a road track where youngsters can ride their bikes and scooters and learn road safety, plus snakes and ladders and other games. Some of the wording is in six different languages to reflect the area’s diversity.

“It’s ready for use now but we’ll officially open on 9 January when we’ll also hold a bike and scooter marking session to help youngsters protect their new Christmas gifts."

Yeah, that'll put an end to crime in the area!