Youngsters will be swinging into action after more than £12,000 was invested in new play equipment at West Hill.

Sidmouth Herald: Anna, Georgie and Benjy Barrett-Miles on the new tyre swing at West Hill play park. Picture: Clarissa PlaceAnna, Georgie and Benjy Barrett-Miles on the new tyre swing at West Hill play park. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A brand new tyre swing and monkey bars have been installed in the play park after £12,400 in Section 106 money – a levy paid by developers – was made available.

The three-year project was carried out by East Devon District Council [EDDC] and West Hill Parish Council after consulting with the community and school children about how the funds should be used.

It is part of the parish council’s long-term plan to create more open space facilities in the village for residents to use for years to come.

Youngsters Anna, Georgie and Benjy Barrett-Miles said the new equipment was everything they wanted to see when they visited the park on Tuesday.

Sidmouth Herald: Youngsters joined members of the community involved in the project and representatives of West Hill Parish Council and East Devon District Council to celebrate the installation of the new equipment. Picture: Clarissa PlaceYoungsters joined members of the community involved in the project and representatives of West Hill Parish Council and East Devon District Council to celebrate the installation of the new equipment. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

Anna, 10, added: “It’s somewhere we can go during the summer holidays and meet our friends here and just play.”

Their mum, Councillor Jessica Bailey said: “The older ones come independently and meet their friends and the young ones will come here with their parents and grandparents, usually after school because the play area is right there.

“West Hill really needs some more open spaces. That is one of the aims the parish council is looking at. We particularly need space for the football club. It’s a long-term project.”

The play park, which is located behind West Hill Parish Hall, was first opened in 2011 before ownership was transferred to West Hill Parish Council when it was formed in April 2017.

Cllr Margaret Hall, chairman of West Hill Parish Council, said “We are delighted to have this additional equipment in the play park. We are very limited for public open space in West Hill, so we need to make the best use of the facilities we have. I hope the children of West Hill will enjoy this for years to come.”

Tom Wright, EDDC portfolio holder for the environment, added: “It’s a great example of how communities can come together with funds raised from suitable development to provide a very welcome facility for our residents.

“It is good being in the woodland village that the vast majority of the equipment is constructed from wood.”