WORK has started on a new £140,000 playground in Cumnor that will draw inspiration from the village’s history.

The area in The Glebe will have full disabled access for children as well as exercise stations for older residents.

It will be officially opened by children’s author and Cumnor resident Philip Pullman on March 26.

New equipment being installed includes swings, a trampoline, climbing frame, roundabout, pendulum basket, fort mound, sling shot, sensory panels and six exercise stations.

Last night Cumnor Parish Council clerk Jacqui Bock said it would be an “area for all to enjoy”.

She said: “The Glebe play area is an ideal site for this project as it is in the centre of Cumnor village, next to The Vine Inn and its car park.

“There have been numerous consultations undertaken with the residents of Cumnor and disabled groups.

“The vision behind this refurbishment is that every child and adult that visits the area will be able to use some of the equipment, but will be challenged to increase their skills and have fun, irrespective of age or ability.”

Some of the playground is inspired by history.

It is next to 16th century house Cumnor Place, where Amy Robsart fell down the stairs to her death.

Lady Robsart was the first wife of Lord Robert Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth I, and her death in 1560 has long been regarded as suspicious.

The story was retold in Sir Walter Scott’s book Kenilworth. In tribute to the tale, the climbing frames will represent castles with slides, a rocking horse, donkey rocker, a willow den, mazes and enchanted gardens.

Along with Cllr Judy Roberts, Mrs Bock secured £56,000 from Oxfordshire County Council’s Aiming High, £35,000 from WREN (Waste Recycling and Environmental group), £17,700 from Vale of White Horse District Council and £30,000 from the parish council.

Other funds were donated by local businesses.

Mrs Bock said the parish council had to act fast to secure grants.

She said: “It will be an area for all to enjoy.

“As part of the scheme, the toilet facilities at The Vine are being upgraded in order to make them suitable for use by disabled people.”

Mr Pullman, famous for string of successful novels including the trilogy of fantasy stories, His Dark Materials, will cut the ribbon at 2.30pm.