CHILDREN can look forward to an upgrade of five of Witney’s play areas, the town's council has announced.

The emphasis of the improvements appears to be enabling children of all ages, and those with disabilities, to use the new equipment.

Contractors will begin work 'in the next week or so' on the £48,000 project, after councillors selected equipment that would fit available space in five of the town's playgrounds.

The council hopes that the 'modern, brightly coloured equipment' will add interest and play value to the parks, for both older and younger children.

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Duncan Enright, mayor of Witney, said: “This is a programme of work that’s been planned for quite a while and I’m really glad we’re now at this point.

“Hopefully it will all be ready in time for everyone to have fun in the spring when the weather is a bit nicer than it is now.

“The council is trying to invest quite a bit of money in the coming months and years into play areas so that children and families can enjoy them.

“The key thing is that these new parks are safe and we’ve done everything we can to make sure they are, as these places are outside and go through a lot of wear and tear over the years.

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“We always like to hear from people about their experiences at places like play areas and we’ll be looking forward to hearing what people think about these new developments.

“We’re always glad to hear from people in how to improve our facilities in the future.”

One of the play areas set for a boost is at Newland’s King George V Fields, where a new IXO multi-climbing system is to be installed, incorporating slides, ladders, platforms and bars.

The new apparatus will cater for children of all ages and abilities, with the additions also including a Speed Gyro roundabout, complete with a non-slip deck.

At 40 centimetres from the ground, the council says it is 'the perfect height for transfer from a wheelchair'.

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There will also be a fresh look at the Fieldmere Close play area, with the installation of a climbing and balancing trail, including a balance beam, log walk, stepping stones, and a rocking log.

The play area on Moorland Road, meanwhile, is set to welcome a brand new cone-shaped rotating climber, which the council says is 'bound to appeal across multiple age groups'.

Small improvements will also be made to play areas at the Leys and Burwell, which have been updated more recently.

The music station at Burwell Recreation Ground is being replaced by a climbing hut, playhouse, and eight-seater wooden see-saw, while the Leys – which until now has had an absence of equipment for younger children – will feature a new toddler slide and tunnel unit.

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The equipment is being installed across Witney by specialist suppliers Proludic, and children and families can look forward to it appearing over the next few weeks.

Proludic has 30 years experience in the design of playground equipment and the creation of 'freely accessible play and sports areas'.

The company has worked in partnership with various local authorities, campsites, motorway services operators, holiday clubs and property developers to design play areas.

The firm prides itself on creating leisure areas containing 'innovative and original products'.

Throughout its 30 years in operation, it has installed more than 90,000 playgrounds across the world.