Community news

Dad says Bidford-on-Avon play area is perfect Christmas gift for two-year-old Lana

- 18 Dec 18

The father of a two-year-old who has been enjoying a brand-new play area in Bidford-on-Avon, says the £60,000 investment from a local housebuilder is the perfect Christmas present.

Jamie Welch, who lives with his wife Emma and daughter Lana, said he was delighted to move to Bovis Homes’ Bidford Leys location, and that the new play equipment was a great hit with his family and his neighbours.

Children from all over the community have been enjoying the fun at the new-build location, off Salford Road, which includes a Star Trek multiplay unit, complete with a slide and monkey bars, plus a flying saucer nest swing.

Jamie, who moved into a three-bedroom house at the development, said: “Lana’s used the play area a lot already, she was there with Nana yesterday and she’s been with her mum many times.

“Having something so close by for the little ones is brilliant. It’s in a perfect location, surrounded by houses so it’s safe, but not too close so as to disturb residents in those houses. You can tell it’s been thought out and very well designed.

“People move to Bidford Leys for the same sort of reasons, for the quiet, relaxed lifestyle.

There are retirees and young and old families, and some are originally from the area and moved back to be close to family.

“There are good schools nearby and it’s a nice area to live, and this play area sums up the strong sense of community here and is the perfect festive gift.”

Jamie Welch with his daughter Lana and wife Emma
Jamie said neighbours regularly caught up and chatted with each other at the location. He moved with his family from a new-build home in Shirley in Solihull and said it was no comparison to Bovis Homes’ development.

“The attention to detail by Bovis Homes is first class,” he said. “The build is top quality. There is a good amount of space between houses and you’re not overlooked. There’s a good road system too.

“We had a poor experience with another developer but Bovis Homes has been completely different, we’ve nothing to fault.

“The size and layout of the property is perfect for us as a family. There’s a generous, open living space making the house very sociable. I can work upstairs or down in the dining area, which opens out into the sitting room, so I’m with Emma and Lana at the same time.

“There’s a good-size garage and drive too, which is invaluable and the whole house is energy efficient.

“It’s just all been very stress-free and we don’t have to spend money doing anything up or making improvements. I would definitely recommend Bidford Leys to any family wanting to move to the area.”

Sian Salter with Emma, Lana and Jamie Welch outside the family's Bovis Home at Bidford Leys
Jamie, a transport manager, commutes to Birmingham city centre most days and although it’s more than an hour drive, he said coming back to the perfect family home made it all worthwhile.

Sian Salter, Bovis Homes sales advisor at Bidford Leys, said the location’s play area was proving a big hit.

“We’ve had some terrific feedback from families and residents whose little ones absolutely love the new play area.

“It’s full of fun, modern equipment, in a safe spot and it’s lovely seeing the joy on the faces of the children and their parents – it’s what Bidford Leys and Bovis Homes is all about.”