Somerset playgrounds will not get any new equipment for a year to save money

Play equipment was recently installed at The Old Showfield On Berkley Road In Frome

Play areas will not get any new equipment for more than a year as part of council cost-cutting measures.

Somerset Council declared a financial emergency in 2023 and has announced plans to save about £35m in order to bridge a budget gap of £100m.

Within the plan it said it would wait until April 2025 to renew play equipment, unless it could be funded by third parties.

Some money will be used "for dangerous equipment only", said the council.

The council said proposing that no new equipment will be installed at any Somerset play areas would save £168,000 and would not put children and young people at risk, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The proposal, and others, are expected to be approved by the full council when it meets to set the annual budget in February.

'Much-improved space'

As part of the budget consultation, the council has spoken to town and parish councils about taking on more responsibilities, including the maintenance of play areas and the provision of new equipment.

Frome Town Council recently worked with Bristol-based Green Play Project to create a new play area at The Old Showfield on Berkley Road, which is expected to open during at Easter.

Councillor Mark Dorrington said: "We're now planning to take down fencing and return this fantastic and much-improved space to the community in time for the school Easter holidays."

Environment manager at Frome Town Council Rob Holden said he is aware people are "keen" to use it and explained the council is "just as keen to open it".

"However, by waiting just a few more weeks, we give the planting scheme time to do its job," he said.