Three play areas in Brookvale and Kings Furlong have reopened after major improvements to the facilities.

Children will be able to enjoy new equipment thanks to £236,000 of funding to transform three play areas.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has carried out improvement work at the play areas in Cordale Road, Culver Road and Goodman Close with money allocated from the council’s Local Infrastructure Fund. Each site includes new equipment for swinging, sliding, rocking, spinning and balancing, as well as explorative play.

The application for funding was proposed on behalf of the local community by Cllr Michael Westbrook, ward councillor for Brookvale and Kings Furlong.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Cabinet member for planning, infrastructure and natural environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “We have 150 play areas in the borough and we are always looking to improve these facilities to meet the needs of the families who enjoy them so much.

“These three areas were identified by the ward councillor and I am delighted we have been able to invest in new equipment and transform these play spaces for children to enjoy during the summer holidays and beyond.”

The improvement schemes in the Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward were delayed earlier this year after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Inspections have been carried out at all 200 play areas in the borough, including the three improved sites and parish play areas, before reopening. Visitors are asked to follow Government guidance to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus when using the equipment.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Signage at the play areas asks users to:

• give other people space, in line with the current social distancing guidance

• wash hands before and after visiting

• use hand sanitiser gel or wipes to clean hands

• put tissues or rubbish in the bins provided.

No food or drink should be consumed in the play areas and people are asked not to use the facilities at busy times to help keep themselves and others safe.