CHILDREN in Bridgwater can enjoy new play equipment sooner than expected thanks to the early completion of a park renovation.

Work on a £25,000 upgrade to the park at Linham Road was due to finish next month, but good weather meant the work was completed well ahead of schedule and the park was opened last Wednesday.

About £25,500 has been spent on a rocking skateboard and multi-play unit including a double slide, low climbing wall, scramble net, slanted spinner, two fireman’s poles and cradle net. A second pedestrian access point has also been created. The old climbing frame and balance beams have been removed as they had reached the end of their useful life.

Four parks already completed following ‘phase one’ of a major park investment programme are Mansfield Park, Bridgwater, Holford Road, Durleigh, Crowpill Lane, Bridgwater and Red House Road, East Brent. All five parks have been completed ahead of schedule and within budget.

The total budget for phase one was £113,000, with RLT2 outdoor play facilities contributions.

Councillor John Swayne, portfolio holder for community and scrutiny, said: “Sedgemoor District Council is committed to investing in play areas.

“Completing phase one on-budget and ahead of schedule is great news for local children and is something the district council is very proud of.”