CHILDREN on Oxford’s largest estate will be getting an extra Christmas present this year – a £90,000 play area.

On Monday, workmen began ripping out the ageing Cuddesdon Way play area in Blackbird Leys, ready to revamp it with state-of-the-art play equipment.

The investment is part of Oxford City Council’s plan to breathe new life into 54 play areas across the city to the tune of £2.5m over the next two years.

Every facility is being brought up to scratch with new equipment, safety surfacing, landscaping and fencing.

Gillians Park, in Greater Leys, is also among the play areas earmarked for modernisation.

Last night, people across Blackbird Leys welcomed the investment – although many said it was long overdue.

A six foot-high climbing net, new swings, and natural play pieces incorporating the mounds and tree stumps will be installed in Cuddesdon Park before January.

A gravel path will cross the play area and sensory play pieces, including bamboo clumps, will be introduced.

Children will get new climbing nets, a rope bridge and toddler equipment following an £85,000 upgrade.

David Foster, 34, of Haldane Road, Blackbird Leys, said: “It’s about time – the park in Cuddesdon Way has been like that since I was a kid.

“What the council needs to do is make sure they stop the vandalism.

“I have six godchildren and I would like to take them to somewhere brand new.”

Mother-of-two Rebecca Paintin, 28, of Rosehill, welcomed the plans. She said: “I would definitely bring my children down if it was new.

“It’s about time they spent some money down here.”

First-time father to four-month-old Hunter, Sidney Goodall, 61, of Warburg Crescent, Blackbird Leys, said: “It’s a good idea. They need bringing up-to-date.”

Mikko Enticknap, of nearby Cuddesdon Corner children’s centre, said: “It’s a really good idea – we don’t take the children there but other people will use it, like local schools, and the local nursery will make a lot of use of it.

“It’s terrible at the moment, it’s long overdue.”

Blackbird Leys city councillor Val Smith said: “The equipment is new and exciting and will ensure kids go to the playground.

“When I was little, kids were happy with a swing and a slide but now they want something a bit more exciting.”

Parish councillor Gordon Roper added: “It’s long overdue. People will appreciate the council spending money.”

Jamie Murray, project manager on behalf of the council, said work on both parks should be finished by January.