CHILDREN have somewhere new to play after Drakes Broughton saw the opening of a new state-of the-art play park costing more than £200,000.

The play area, off Walcot Lane, was officially opened at the weekend with a small gathering, after original large scale celebrations had to be downgraded due to the pandemic.

The exciting new play park replaces old play equipment that had been place in Drakes Broughton for over 30 years, and features new swings, toddler and adventure play equipment.

Drakes Broughton and Wadborough with Pirton Parish Council has delivered the play area and it has taken two years to come to fruition, after an open space review group was formed in 2017 led initially by local resident Paul Andrews, and now chaired by parish councillor Les Wild - who cut the ribbon last Saturday.

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Janet Butterworth, chairman of Drakes Broughton and Wadborough with Pirton Parish Council, said: "It has required energy, tenacity and a lot of effort and it has cost in excess of £200k - paid for with section 106 money - but we think it has all been worth it.

"A new play area is a priority in our adopted Neighbourhood Plan and so it was agreed that stage one would be the delivery of a new Play Park.

"All of the work to remove the old equipment and installing the new was undertaken by Sutcliffe South West Ltd, who were our carefully selected partner for this major project.

"Installation has taken over 11 weeks to complete.

"The parish council thank everyone who has been involved in turning this dream into a reality.

"We hope that the residents of Drakes Broughton, Wadborough and Pirton will enjoy and treasure this Play Park for many years to come."