WEST Hill youngsters will know by Christmas whether a play-park will be built in the village.

WEST Hill youngsters will know by Christmas whether a play-park will be built in the village.

A Play Builder application for up to �45,000 funding was submitted to Devon County Council by village representatives this week, and a decision is expected by mid December following a meeting of the Play Builder panel next Thursday and Friday.

Ottery councillors Claire Wright and Roger Giles handed over the bid.

Cllr Wright said: "More and more families are moving to West Hill and the children really deserve somewhere to play other than in their gardens or on the road. We are very aware that there is lots of competition for the money, but we are keeping everything crossed in the hope of a positive outcome."

"We are confident that our bid is as good as it could possibly be and we have a fantastic designer waiting in the wings, if the scheme is given the green light. He designed much of the play equipment at Escot - totally unique and imaginative structures, such as the pirate ship and drop slide.

"We have had so much support and whatever the outcome is, we would like to thank East Devon District Councillor, Ray Bloxham, West Hill Village Hall Committee, Ottery Town Council and all the other community groups, who have backed the bid.