A NEW lease of life has been given to a Watchet children’s play area with the installation of bespoke equipment funded by the town council.

The brand new agility play piece was installed in the Doniford Married Quarters play area, where a number of items of equipment were in a state of disrepair after reaching the end of their lifespan.

Councillors decided to remove the old equipment from the site and replace it with an agility play course suitable for children of all ages.

A survey of local residents was carried out by the council’s recreation and tourism committee asking for feedback on what they thought would be most useful for the play area.

Councillors then made choices on how the play equipment could be updated in response to the feedback.

Children’s play experts who specialise in designing greener equipment with a long life then designed the new play piece in line with the town council’s green policies, and the site was cleared of its redundant equipment.

Recreation and tourism committee chairman Cllr Sean Terrett said: “Watchet Town Council are delighted this project has been completed and to such a beautiful standard.

“We as a council fully understand the importance that play has on a young person’s mental and physical wellbeing, so doing our bit and upgrading the town council-owned recreational equipment is a priority of ours.

“We hope that children love, enjoy, and respect the new equipment and hope the community are pleased with the end result.”

Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor said: “It is fantastic the council are working with the local community to ensure quality play equipment of this calibre is made available for all the children in Watchet.”

The town council also has play areas in the Henry Davey Playing Field, the Liddymore estate, and Watchet Memorial Ground.