VISIONS for a new play area in Coopers Meadow will become a reality for Marlborough, four years after cash was ring-fenced for the park project, with work to begin in October.

The park, which had previously been described as dilapidated by parents, will get new swings, slides, and climbing frames for different age ranges.

Plans were unveiled at Marlborough St Mary’s School last week as children and parents gave their thoughts on the play area, calling for monkey bars to be fitted as a final touch to the design.

Cash for the project was given as part of a legally-binding Section 106 payment from the Ailesbury Court office conversion of £23,894.47. Further money from the Community Infrastructure Levy of £19,384 will go with other Section 106 money to raise the total £50,000 needed to fund the transformation.

Cllr Mark Cooper, chairman of the amenities and opens spaces committee, said: “We’re delighted with the positive feedback from young people and we’ll take on board their suggestions before it’s all finalised. It’s a real step forward to have such an improved family-focused play area right in the centre of the town. With most of the funding coming from developers’ contributions, it represents a huge saving to residents too.

“I remember playing there as a child myself and enjoyed being in such a special environmentAll being well, it’ll be ready towards the end of October and we’re planning a celebratory opening event.”

Shelley Parker, of Marlborough Town Council said: “Feedback to our consultation on the new look Coopers Meadow Play Area has been very positive and we’re looking forward to work starting at the site in October. Watch out for details of an opening event.”

Marian Hannaford-Dobson has campaigned for the park to be improved since 2014. The area will close from October 1-19 while work takes place. She said: “I hope the town council have seen sense and given the area over to the rate payer of the town.

“I also hope that they enlarge the play area because at the moment the children are at a disadvantage to the sheep. The sheep are only in the area for three months of the year and there is an awful fence around the meadow for the sheep.

“I think because it is in the middle of the town and it is the crown jewel of the town it ought to be done up for the people.”

Marlborough St Mary’s head teacher Ann Schwodler said: “Coopers Meadow is an important site, set in a beautiful natural environment.

“The children loved the plans and were very excited at the prospect of a new play area in the centre of town.”