Sandy Lane in Chester is the venue of an aqua play area which is being run this year in a new partnership.

It involves owner of the site Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Sandwich Shop (Chester) Ltd which operates the Kiosk and now oversees the day to day running of the aqua park and toilets.

Local Boughton Heath and Vicars Cross Councillor Keith Board (pictured) said: “This is a new partnership arrangement for the Council with the Sandwich Shop and is one we wish to develop in future.

“This allows us to provide and run a much loved facility for our residents and give a local business an opportunity to expand its horizons.”

Local Chester Councillor Max Drury said: “Sandy Lane is always popular with families and this summer the aqua play area will once again be a favourite.

”I am sure that our new business arrangement with The Sandwich Shop will be a success.”

Helen Williamson of The Sandwich Shop (Chester) Ltd said: “We look forward to the summer season at Sandy Lane.

“The water park is a wonderful place to come and play - my little boy never wants to leave!''

In the last couple of weeks the site has also been subject to some improvements carried out by volunteers from both Chester Voluntary Action and HBOS.  Tasks carried out included cleaning the site and street furniture, preparing the railings and furniture for painting.

Clare Harrison from Chester Voluntary Action said: “The one-off volunteering opportunity at Sandy Lane Aqua Park in July proved to be a great success for the 14 enthusiastic volunteers taking part.

“This unique day enabled us to bring together two of Chester Voluntary Action’s projects as we had volunteers from HBOS through our supported employee volunteering project, and volunteers from Chester Aid To The Homeless who became involved through our social inclusion project.”

Councillor Richard Short, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation said:  “This site gives our residents and visitors to the area an ideal venue to sit and relax.

“Initiatives such as those with both the Sandwich Shop and Chester Voluntary Action show our desire to work in partnership to deliver much needed and wanted local services.  I know that the CVA is already planning a follow on visit in September to build on the success of this one.”

Chester Voluntary Action is always looking for projects that enable groups of volunteers to make a difference in a short space of time. If you would like to get involved in volunteering please contact the Volunteer Centre on 01244 316587 volunteercentre@chesterva.org.uk

Visitors to the site should be aware that Sandy Lane will be subject to a temporary road closure starting Monday August 2 for a two week period on Monday to Friday.

Access to the Sandy Lane site will be affected so please follow the diversion routes.

29th July 2010