East Devon play parks get million-pound upgrades

One play park with improvements is Allhallows in Honiton

Work to improve 10 play parks in east Devon at a cost of £1.2m has begun.

East Devon District Council said new equipment would include ground-level trampolines, climbing frames and roundabouts designed for wheelchair access.

It said similar equipment had already been installed at five play areas during the summer and five more play areas were set to be refurbished now children had returned from the summer break.

Councillor Geoff Jung said the aim was to deliver "more inclusive spaces" to encourage children "of all ages and abilities" to enjoy playing outside.

He said: "It's fantastic to see this investment moving forward, with brand-new play areas that reflect what our communities told us they wanted.

"I'm especially pleased that the work has been carefully scheduled to minimise disruption during the summer holidays."

The council said it had funded £1.1m of the improvements through its Capital Programme with the remaining funds coming from developers as part of planning agreements.

Improved play areas include Whitebridges and Allhallows in Honiton, Slewton Crescent in Whimple, Byron Way in Exmouth and Littleham Village Hall in Littleham.

More than 100 pieces of equipment will be installed across all the sites and the work is expected to be completed by the end of October.