Two more play areas have been transformed with new and inclusive play equipment, thanks to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s play area refurbishment scheme.

Brand new equipment has been installed at the now open Arlott Drive play area in South View and Two Gate Meadow in Overton, which is due to open soon, as part of the borough council’s drive to provide play spaces that are well maintained and inclusive.

Contractors have started work on the makeover of Cranesfield play area in Sherborne St John.

This follows the refurbishment at Watling End play area in Hatch Warren in December last year. All four play areas were identified as those most in need of replacement when assessed last year.

Work to identify improvements for the next set of play areas at Warblington Close in Tadley, Constantine Way in Hatch Warren, Meadowland in Chineham and Eastrop Community Centre in Eastrop is also underway. Local residents will be asked what they would like to see included to help shape the final designs.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Our play areas are important to families and that is why we are continuing to invest in refurbishing and maintaining them, where possible.  The council is responsible for 147 play areas across Basingstoke and Deane and it is not possible to refurbish all of them at the same time, so, through our play area refurbishment scheme, we identify those play areas most in need of repair each year.

“As we look forward to some brighter weather and move towards the spring and summer months, I hope these new-look play spaces will be enjoyed, well used and looked after by the young people and their families in these communities.”

More information about the council’s play area refurbishment programme can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/play-area-refurbishment-programme