Youngsters in Shaw have been making the most of being outside and using their newly refurbished play area this half term.

A lick of paint, revamped play equipment and new surfacing are just some of the improvements the playground has seen over the past three weeks. A new climbing net was also put up last Wednesday.

The makeover cost £15,000, paid for by Melksham Without Parish Council after the equipment had become rotten and surface area slippery.

The project has been something the whole of the community has got involved in. Initial ideas for the play area were collected in October and a working group was set up by residents Mark Ashkowski and Michelle Tattershall, so everyone could have a say in what they wanted.

The parish council is also hoping to replace further play equipment that needs repairing over the coming years and add some creative items so children can be inspired to use their imagination.

Parish clerk Teresa Strange said the changes have gone down well with everyone, adding: “It’s given it a new lease of life and looks fantastic.

“We had some really active people come forward to help do it.

“It looks brand new when really it has just had a re-vamp.”