CHILDREN can monkey around until their hearts content thanks to eight-year-old Lila McElhinney.

The youngster is a great believer in "if you don't ask, you don't get" and decided to ask for a climbing frame to be installed in a park which is undergoing a huge investment.

Lila, who lives in Altrincham, wrote to her local councillors telling them how she misses the old monkey bars at Stamford Park. The current climbing frame at the park has been in place for over 10 years and has been identified for an upgrade as part of this year’s capital investment programme.

As part of the 2019-2020 green space capital programme, Trafford Council is investing over £290,000 into the borough’s parks and green spaces.

Lila, who had collated a tally of preferred climbing frame choices, said: “I’m so excited about getting a brand new climbing frame at Stamford Park, with monkey bars! I am so happy to be able to be part of this because I’ve been coming to Stamford Park since I was little.”

Mum, Lucy McElhinney, said: “We’re very proud of Lila for getting herself, her friends and her local councillor behind a campaign for something that is very important to her. It shows that people power and working together brings something positive to the community.”

Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Jane Baugh said: “It’s so encouraging to see our younger residents engaging with the projects that Trafford Council are investing in.

"Play areas and green spaces are important to us because we know how well-loved they are in Trafford – these are places for fun, relaxation and quality time with one another.

"The upcoming green space capital programme will see further improvements to play areas with brand new equipment, including improvements to sensory play at Longford Park; plus the installation of new fitness apparatus at Worthington Park."

“We will also be working to improve infrastructure in some of our parks. Footpath resurfacing and refurbishments will take place in a number of parks so that its easier and safer to access and navigate your way through the park.”The One Trafford Partnership, a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey, will be delivering the programme of works, including Stamford Park. Some improvements have already begun with resurfacing at Weathercock Farm. One of the biggest play area refurbishments at Gorse Hill Park has just been completed. The play area is now home to new trim trail equipment, benches and new trees and a ‘spaceball’ climbing frame. Some of Gorse Hill Park’s beloved equipment, like the 20-year-old elephant rockers, have been restored and given a new lease of life for the next generation to enjoy.

The play area is now home to new trim trail equipment, benches and new trees and a ‘spaceball’ climbing frame. Some of Gorse Hill Park’s beloved equipment, like the 20-year-old elephant rockers, have been restored and given a new lease of life for the next generation to enjoy. .