PEBBLE streams, clamber nets and stepping stones will make up a new natural playground in Bicester thanks to thousands of pounds worth of funding.

Bicester Town Council has been given a £70,000 grant to redevelop the “dated” and “run down” play area in Garth Park, Launton Road.

Plans include a greener approach using natural, sustainable materials, tying in with the town’s Garden City status. The cash comes from a community action fund awarded by not-for-profit business Wren.

Chairman of the policy committee at Bicester Town Council Richard Mould said: “This funding means the people of Bicester will be the first in the region to benefit from everything a natural playground has to offer.

“It will provide a dedicated space for children to interact with nature in a fun and fulfilling way and we are extremely grateful to Wren for backing the scheme.”

Mum-of-two Clare Atkin, who lives near Garth Park and has taken her children to the playground for years said: “It is a wonderful facility and well used by local people. It just need a bit of brightening up and updating. I think eco-friendly for Bicester is a must these days. It is always something people should be mindful of .”

The town council hopes the new park will “meet the aspirations” of more than 500 people who were surveyed about Garth Park at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic last year.

The park project will be put out to tender to find a supplier of play equipment.

Councillors aim to finish this first phase by the end of the year. After that, it is hoped eco-friendly fitness equipment could form the next stage of development.

Wren’s grant manager for Oxfordshire Joe Newby said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Garth Park natural playground project and pleased that our funding will provide such a fantastic facility.”