'Much-loved' park pitch opens after refurbishment

The games area was about 20 years old and in need of repair, Cumberland Council said

A park's games area has reopened after a six-week refurbishment.

The site at Hammond's Pond in Carlisle has had new goals, a fence and resurfacing work undertaken on its ageing structure.

"The refurbishment was essential, as the facility, now around 20 years old, had begun to show signs of wear and tear, " Cumberland Council, which carried out the work, said.

The refurbishment also saw the bark surface at the nearby play park replaced with rubber matting, making it wheelchair friendly.

The work was paid for using part of the £100m Carlisle Town Deal, funded by the government.

Councillor Anne Quilter, who is responsible for healthy places for the local authority, said the work was part of a "ongoing commitment to improve green spaces".

The play area was resurfaced to make it wheelchair friendly

"Hammond's Pond is a much-loved space for residents of all ages, and these improvements...will make it even more enjoyable and accessible," she added.

Both the games area and play park are open, but an official opening event is being held by the Labour-led council on 8 August.