A POPULAR play area in Thornbury is set for £85,000 in new play equipment, with the public being asked to have their say on proposed options.

Thornbury Town Council is continuing its programme of investment into new play areas, with plans to completely refurbish the play facilities at the Mundy Playing Fields.

Playground equipment specialists Proludic have been appointed as contractor for the project, and will design and install the new play area before the summer holidays.

This will involve replacing the majority of the old equipment and safety surfacing, whilst retaining and incorporating the splash pad, zip wire, embankment slides, roundabout, climbing frame and balance bars.

The adult exercise equipment will also be relocated away from the children's play area and the play area will continue to remain unfenced.

A council spokeswoman said: “We aim to provide an inclusive play space that can be used for all children aged up to 16, split between a dedicated toddler area based around the splash pad and linked by the slides to the main children’s play area.

“Working with Proludic and based on consultation undertaken last year, we have drawn up designs that we want the communities views on, before we place the final order for the equipment.

“We are particularly keen to hear from people as to which pieces of play equipment can be added to the core design, whether we are providing the right range of play activities and any suggestions that could improve the play area.”

A public consultation has opened today, and will run until April 3, with the council holding drop in consultation events on Thursday, March 22, from 9am to 12pm, and on Saturday, March 24, from 10am to 1pm at St Mary’s Shopping Centre.

The plans can also be viewed at the Town Hall during normal opening hours or by visiting www.thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk, where comments can also be left by taking part in the council’s online survey.

Thoughts on the plans can also be emailed to info@thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk or sent to Thornbury Town Council, Town Hall, 35 High St, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2AR.