AN OVERHAUL of children s playgrounds in St Neots could take place over the next four years if councillors give it the go ahead tonight (Wednesday). It is estimated a total of £190,000 would be needed to bring the 10 play parks owned by the town council u

AN OVERHAUL of children's playgrounds in St Neots could take place over the next four years if councillors give it the go ahead tonight (Wednesday).

It is estimated a total of £190,000 would be needed to bring the 10 play parks owned by the town council up to a suitable condition.

A report by Gavin Clark, head of leisure and amenities at St Neots Town Council, found that many of the play equipment was "aging and damaged" and in urgent need of repair.

Mr Clark told The Hunts Post: "It is not so much that they are dangerous, they are just really old and dated. Some of the equipment is 40 or 50 years old and is in desperate need of replacing. If it is given the go ahead then it will be the first time a complete overhaul of the town-council owned play parks has taken place in such a short period of time."

As well as repairing equipment damaged by vandals, additional facilities could be added to cater for disabled children.

There are also plans to extend some of the existing playgrounds, including the one located in Nelson Road, Eaton Socon, in a bid to make them more interesting for youngsters.

Mr Clark added: "In some play parks we will look to introduce additional equipment to make play more exiting and adventurous for children."

Top of the list for improvement is the play area in Ackerman's Street where the equipment is said to be "out of date." Also high on the list is the Saxongate play area, which is described as "a risk to the health and safety of the public."

Once the new equipment is in place, it is hoped it will last for about 10 to 15 years.

Councillors visited some of the parks two weeks ago to decide if they would like the town council to fund the improvements.

A decision, as to whether the four-year project will be financially supported by the authority, is expected at the meeting of the full council tonight.

Mr Clark added: "Once councillors have given the go ahead then the work can start as soon as possible.