Revamp for play areas

HUNTINGDON S play areas are to get a major overhaul as part of a project to improve facilities and deter anti-social behaviour in the town s parks. Councillor Tom Sanderson, who chairs Huntingdon Town Council s leisure committee, said the play areas in N

HUNTINGDON'S play areas are to get a major overhaul as part of a project to improve facilities and deter anti-social behaviour in the town's parks.

Councillor Tom Sanderson, who chairs Huntingdon Town Council's leisure committee, said the play areas in Nursery Road and at King George V Field in Sapley Road were in line for a makeover.

Cllr Sanderson said: "Thanks to careful budgeting by the town council we are able to upgrade and invest in our play areas."

As part of the improvement plan, an embankment slide and new football goals will be installed at Sapley Road and the existing 15-year-old equipment at Nursery Road will be replaced.

The play area improvements are likely to cost £30,000 and will start in the spring.

In addition to these upgrades, the town council is looking to improve facilities at Huntingdon Town Park in an attempt to deter anti-social behaviour - said to be affecting nearby residents.

Cllr Sanderson said: "Any new facilities in the town park need to be considered carefully due to the recent anti-social behaviour problems.

"We're looking at installing more facilities for young people such as outdoor gym equipment in order to better utilise the area and deter unruly behaviour."

Already work has been taking place to help prevent anti-social behaviour. Overgrown trees been cut back to provide better CCTV coverage and Cllr Sanderson said he will be asking Cambridgeshire County Council to improve the street lighting.

INFORMATION: Plans for the town's park will be subject to public consultation and anyone interested in having their say should write to Huntingdon Town Council, 1 Trinity Place, Hartford Road, Huntingdon PE29 3QA.