YOUNGSTERS were jumping with joy in Monkton Heathfield when they helped to open a new play area in Farriers Green.

Pupils from West Monkton Primary School and Heathfield Community School joined Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Dave Durdan yesterday (Tuesday, February 10) for the milestone event.

The £74,000 play space, provided by Taunton Deane Council, has been funded through development contributions linked to Bathpool from construction company Strongvox.

It has been a real community effort involving the parish, district and Somerset County Council working with schools working together with a single aim of creating a great space for local youngsters.

West Monkton Parish Council has generously helped by providing seats, agility equipment for the children and a litter bin.

Representatives from the parish werel be on hand to make sure the event went with a swing.

The play area will provide lots of challenges and fun for youngsters from toddlers to teenagers and was designed by Louise Baugh of local landscape architects Swan Paul Partnership of Taunton.

The design is based on the results of consultation carried out on behalf of the Borough Council by Barnardos, with children from West Monkton Primary School and Heathfield Community School. Taunton Deane Borough Council is grateful to both schools for their input into the project.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, who holds the leisure portfolio, said: "We're really grateful to the schools and everyone for helping make this play space a reality - I am sure it will be really well used and enjoyed."

Ward Cllr Norman Cavill said: "This is an important landmark in the development of Monkton Heathfield as it marks a significant step towards building the new community.

"Farriers Green Park will be a flagship of play provision in the parish, as it now has facilities for all ages including adult outdoor gym equipment."

The existing slide see saw, goal mouth and slide are to remain. The existing flat-bed swings are to be refurbished as will the toddler cradle swings which are to be relocated within the site.

The new play area has the addition of a metal pod swing, sand digger, sand, bank slide, Bailey wooden climbing piece, horse and cart, agility equipment and seating.

The area has been landscaped to provide greater play value, with bridges linking the play equipment and laid out by local firm Parsons Landscapes of Stoke St Mary, who also installed the equipment, after winning the tender for the works.