DETAILED plans to revamp a recreation ground – including constructing a BMX course – have been unveiled as a bid for funding is launched.

Littlemore Parish Council has enlisted environmental charity Groundwork South to work on the plans for Herschel Crescent Recreation Ground, which include a fenced-off play area with a zip line, swings, a basketball hoop and rope climbing frame.

So far £22,000 has been raised for the project, with £10,000 from the parish council’s parish precept, £7,000 in developer funding from the Cardinal House development and £5,000 from the county councillors’ ‘Big Society’ budget.

The council hopes to secure the final £60,000 needed from not-for-profit business WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited), and a bid was submitted on Wednesday last week.

Robert Tilley, from Groundwork South, said: “The existing play area will be refurbished, with new equipment and a safety surface.

“Then there is a fenced area adjacent to the play area.

“It is a play area with equipment for older children.

“The intention is to have a variety of equipment to cater for all ages.”

He added: “We also wanted to make it as sustainable as possible, using natural materials such as wood. The safety surface will be made up of shredded car tyres.”

The council will not hear whether it has the funding until mid-August.

If successful the project could be completed in spring next year.

Mr Tilley presented the proposals to WREN for the parish council last Wednesday to get cash to support the project.

The existing play area was last refurbished more than 10 years ago.

Littlemore resident and parish councillor Dorian Hancock said: “I think it is wonderful, it is long overdue.

“At the end of the day it is for the benefit of the community at large, not just the children.

“I think it is just fantastic.”

County and city councillor Gill Sanders added: “It is good to see we are progressing.”

WREN is a non-profit making environmental body registered to fund projects which are eligible under the Landfill Communities Fund.

Most of its funding comes from the landfill tax levied by waste company FCC Environment.