Flood damage to a children’s play area is being repaired with money from drugs firm Pfizer.

And staff from the company have turned out to help with the work.

A tidal surge in November left the Bulwarks play area in need of refurbishment.

Sandwich Town Council paid more than £3,000 to repaint the playground – but it wasn’t enough.

The park’s spring mobiles were deemed unsafe by Dover District Council as the worn-out equipment did not meet health and safety regulations.

But the district council offered no money to help, and the equipment had to be removed.

Now Pfizer has stepped in to help replace the mobiles.

Lauren Sedgley, communications manager for Pfizer said: “Pfizer is donating £1,500 to the Sandwich Rotary Club to enable them to purchase equipment for the Bulwarks play area in Sandwich, which was irreparably damaged due to flooding at the end of last year.”

A team of volunteers from Pfizer have painted and cleaned the play area, including members of management who volunteered their time for free last week.

The Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme, said: “I’m delighted that the area is being refurbished and very grateful to Pfizer for the contribution towards this project, financially and otherwise, together with the Rotary Club of Sandwich.

“There will be a new piece of equipment purchased which will be put in this September.”
He added: “It does look very good.

“It really has spruced it up and made it look like quite attractive – and it will be even more attractive in September.”

Chris Hart, president of the Rotary Club of Sandwich, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this project, which benefits the community.”

The money for the paint, at a cost of £100, was donated by Barry Finch, Dover District Council’s contracts supervisor.

The second part of the project will take place in September when the spring mobiles will be fitted.