PRUDHOE youngsters are set for a fun-filled summer as work begins on their new-look play park.

Renovations to Eastwood Park play areas are due to be complete in time for the school summer holidays on July 26.

The new park will combine a toddler area and an area for older children. It will feature a 20m zip-slide, two basket swings, a hurricane swing and an inclusive roundabout and multi-play area.

The dilapidated state of the play areas has caused concern for years.

And last February, Prudhoe Town Council earmarked £30,000 in its asset reserve fund towards the work.

Northumberland County Council will pay £50,000 towards the £95,000 bill.

Former county councillor Tony Reid contributed the remaining £15,000 from his member’s allowance.

Northumberland County Council held public consultation exercises last September, with children from Highfield Middle School and Adderlane Academy giving their ideas in a design exercise.

More than 200 people responded to questionnaires and many attended an open evening at Eastwood Park pavilion, with over 76 per cent saying they wanted the play areas to be improved.

The contract was put out to tender and Wickstead was awarded the contract.

A number of trees have already been cleared from the site, drainage issues have been remedied and other landscaping improvements are scheduled.

The installation team is due to move onto the site on June 26 and work is set to be complete by July 24.