Work begins on harbourside pirate-themed play area

The park, which will feature slides, swings and a zipwire, forms part of a project to improve Maryport

Work is to begin on a harbourside play area as part of a town's £12m regeneration.

A pirate-themed splash park and playground is to replace the decades-old Shiver Me Timbers site in Maryport, Cumbria.

The park, which will feature slides, swings and a zipwire, forms part of a project improving the town's high street, harbour and promenade.

Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer said the space would "look brilliant" and add to Maryport's waterfront becoming an "even more fantastic destination".

An earlier public consultation revealed residents thought Maryport was lacking activities for children

An earlier public consultation revealed residents thought the town was lacking activities for children.

About 1,500 people responded, with a majority voting for a pirate theme for the park.

Regeneration projects include a new cafe and beach shop on the promenade on the site of a disused toilet block, a new bike and skate track, a harbourside events space and the revamp of the Wave centre, which will change its name to Maryport Activity Centre.

Senhouse Street in the centre of town has already been reconfigured as part of the scheme, and a boardwalk has been installed between the promenade and the harbour.