Children in Westfield are jumping for joy, thanks to a £70,000 investment in a new play park which has been officially opened.

New equipment has been installed in the Shakespeare Road play area as part of a £480,000 investment by Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve play and outdoor family fun across the area.

The Council recently came under scrutiny by local parents for proposing to take down old equipment at sites deemed to be underused, with land repurposed for ideas such as wildflower meadows, but reinvesting in other sites.

The Council says it has worked in partnership with community groups and Parish Councils on major upgrades to parks to encourage children to play outside more and improve their health.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, joined children, ward and parish councillors, at the new play area last week to officially open it.

He said: “We have made large-scale improvements to play areas in our district and I was delighted to meet the children, ward and parish councillors in Westfield, to officially open the new equipment.

“Space for physical and imaginative play is so important to children’s development and health, and it is great to see parents and children appreciating this new play area.

“We have carried out a review and consultation of some of our play areas. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, which we will be reporting back on."

The Council’s play area improvement projects include:

Alexandra Park, Bath – wheelchair-accessible ‘Ability Whirl’ roundabout, ground trampoline and four swings, one of which can attach a wheelchair. Tarmac path access to play area and toilet available. Capital funding of nearly £47,000.

Kelston Road, Keynsham – a complete upgrade of play equipment, new seating and signage, football goals, path and safety improvements and tree planting. Work is expected to cost around £150,000 and funded by Section 106, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and a Landfill Communities Fund grant from Enovert Community Trust.

More information: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ kelstonroadpark

Projects here in North East Somerset include the investment at Shakespeare Road, Westfield – joint project with Westfield Parish Council to carry out £70,000 major refurbishment.

Writhlington’s Old Road play park receives a replacement slide.

At Eckweek Lane, Peasedown St John, a replacement climbing unit has been installed.

The Council has also been working with residents and community groups in Kensington Meadows, Calton Road and Ubley to submit funding bids for play improvements.

More information about the council’s parks and green spaces can be found at: https://www.bathnes.gov. uk/services/sport-leisure-and-parks/parks-opening- times-and-locations