SOMERSET West and Taunton (SWT) Council has installed new playground equipment at play areas in Taunton and Wellington as part of its replacement programme to invest in community facilities.

The outdated apparatus at Walkers Gate Play Area in Wellington has now been replaced with a multi-play unit featuring a swing, slide, fireman's pole, climbing wall and counting panel; a four-way spring seesaw; talking tubes; and new shock-absorbing safety surfacing.

Work to provide additional play equipment has also just been completed at Compton Close Play Area in Taunton, which is scheduled to reopen in the week commencing on December 19.

The new equipment includes a toddlers’ multi-play unit; sensory totem pole, spiral shifter, and hourglass panels; a bridge and balance walks; spring-mounted seesaws; variations of roundabouts and swings; as well as new safety surfacing.

This follows extensive ground works to improve the look and feel of the area, with further planting scheduled for the new year.

SWT’s engagement team approached residents prior to the new equipment being selected to ensure it met the needs of the local community.

The council invested £25,915 upgrading the play area, which was funded using Section 106 developer contributions for dwellings at the rear of the former Three Cups pub on nearby Fore Street.

SWT spent £57,664 on the upgrades, again funded using Section 106 contributions, this time from nearby development activities at Firepool Lock.

Deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for Sports, Parks and Leisure, Councillor Derek Perry, said: “We’re committed to investing in local amenities to support active and healthy lifestyles and I’m delighted we were able to give these popular play areas a new lease of life for children to enjoy.

“I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to us – it gave us valuable feedback to better understand the priorities for resident families and helped focus our efforts on providing equipment that will benefit most local children and young people.”

These latest upgrades are in addition to the £112,000 spent earlier this year refreshing play areas across Taunton and Wellington as part of the Council’s replacement programme.

Users of the play areas are encouraged to keep them clean and tidy by disposing of their litter using the bins provided, or by taking it home with them if they are full.

Members of the public with concerns about the safe use of play areas or wishing to report a problem, can use SWT’s online reporting form or by telephoning 0300 304 8000.