Express & Star

Upgrade for Wolverhampton estate’s run-down play area

A play area in a Wolverhampton suburb that is badly in need of an upgrade is to be given a makeover by council bosses.

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The play area near Warstones Drive in Merry Hill, Wolverhampton. Photo: Wolverhampton Council.

The facilities in Kingsclere Walk, Merry Hill, have not received any significant repairs or refurbishment for several years.

Members of the public are now being invited to give their opinions on the proposed work, with the council launching a public consultation on its website today.

Merry Hill councillor Carol Hyatt, who listed the upgrade of the playground near Warstones Drive as part of her election campaign last year, said: “I have asked the council to upgrade the playground on so many occasions. It’s great to hear that the consultation is going to start now, so that work can hopefully begin after the summer holidays.

“There is enough money to replace half the equipment, refurbish the other half and completely replace the flooring. I hope the choice of new equipment will support children with additional needs.

“Seating should be retained, and I am also asking the council to provide additional lighting to help ensure the park is a safe and well-lit space. As a ward we don’t have the facilities that other areas of the city have for their young people. I hope that this good beginning can be built on because our teenagers are important too,” she added.

The funds for the work have been provided through a planning agreement relating to the development of new residential properties in the area.

Proposed designs have been drawn up to create a blend of modern, attractive play equipment suitable for a wide range of ages and ability levels. A new colourful safety surface will also be installed to sit underneath the new play equipment.

The consultation runs until Wednesday, September 14, and can be accessed at consultation.wolverhampton.gov.uk/cwc/kingsclere-walk-play-area/.