TWO popular play areas in Yate are ready to undergo a transformation after over £70,000 was awarded to improve the public spaces.


A working group has been set up to help the play area behind St Mary’s Church following the town council being awarded a £70,000 grant towards the scheme.


The play area will undergo a transformation thanks to funding from the New Homes Bonus Grant from South Gloucestershire Council, which was awarded last month and now a working group has been set up to begin making plans about the changes the play area will undergo.


Cllr Chris Willmore said: “We aim to do up all our play areas in Yate on a rota, so that young people get good quality play – and that way we also find we get less vandalism so it's cost effective.


“The grant is a really good start, and means we can afford to do what is needed – but the first step will be working up a consultation with users and residents to find out what they want to achieve - it is pretty well used, so it might simply be a case of replacing some of the existing tired equipment replaced, but before we need to check with everyone before we do anything”.


Yate residents will also benefit from a makeover of the Brinsham Fields play area, after the town council raised money from section 106 funds to work with the group Friends of Brinsham Park and the local community to come up with a long term master plan for improvements.


The funds, of which the amount has not yet been specified, will be awarded in early June and the Friends of Brinsham Park have already started to work on plans for the makeover.


Group member Jackie Maude said: "The Friends of Brinsham Park are very excited to be starting this project to enhance and develop the play equipment and facilities at Brinsham Fields. We have big plans to make the play area something really special and exciting for young people of all ages to come and enjoy - a real destination play area for North Yate."


If you would like to get involved in the St Mary’s play area working group email info@yatetowncouncil.co.uk, or to get involved with either scheme contact the town council by emailing info@yatetowncouncil.