PARK users in Highbridge will soon be able to enjoy a £64,000 play area which is set to open next week.

Southwell Gardens play area in Highbridge has undergone the massive refurbishment to replace outdated equipment and will open on March 17.

The modern play area, which has been designed in a 'seaside adventure' theme, features an exciting timber 'play ship'.

Other equipment includes a zigzag bridge, slope slide with single step ladder, nest swing, roundabout speed gyro, sea horse springer and duo springer.

The site has also been landscaped with grassed earth mounds, tarmac footpath links, seating and bins.

Councillor John Swayne, Portfolio Holder for Community and Scrutiny, said: “Southwell Gardens play area upgrade was part of a major renovation of Sedgemoor parks costing £177,000.

“We are now moving onto phase two. The next parks tabled for improvement as part of phase two are Talbot Close, Stilings Close and Coleridge Gardens in Burnham and Highbridge - £50,000 will be spent across the three parks and contracts will be tendered in the Spring.”

This refurbishment is being primarily funded by RLT2 outdoor play facility contributions, with a proportion being drawn from Sedgemoor District Council's Parks budget.