Youngsters give West Hill play park the thumbs up

Blueprints that include a death slide and the pirate ship have been modified following feedback from residents.

Blueprints that include a death slide and the pirate ship have been modified following feedback from residents.

Driving forces hope to see the �26,000 park open by April next year.

Designs for land between the Village Hall and West Hill Road were put together by the brains behind much of Escot’s play equipment, and have been available for comment for weeks.

Claire Wright, who leads the West Hill Play Park Working group, said: “The best thing was seeing the look on the children’s faces when they saw the photos of similar equipment at Broadclyst - their eyes just lit up, it was lovely!

“We had a great day at the fete last month where we were able to chat to parents, children and teenagers about the park’s design and gauge people’s opinions.

“We also had some generous offers of help from parents and grandparents, who are keen to get involved, which is brilliant.”

Designs include a tree-house with climbing net, slide, swings and willow dens. The edges of the park will be planted with wild flowers and herbs among long grass, for children to incorporate into their play.

Aspects of the project altered due to feedback included provision for a gate and barrier between the park and car park, replacing a hammock and basket swing with traditional swings and a toddler swing, and adding back support to log seating.

The �25,000 bid is being funded by the Playbuilder scheme, which aims to boost play for eight to 13-year-olds in rural communities.

Westcountry Milk has pledged �1,000 towards equipment and CSW Groundworks has offered to help preparing the land.

David Shanly, architectural planning consultant, will submit a planning application.