A POPULAR playpark has reopened to the public following a £90,500 refurbishment.

The children of Prudhoe will once again be able to enjoy the park at Prudhoe Waterworld, which now boasts new and refurbished play equipment, a new rubber safety surface, and a smart and secure perimeter fence.

New swings for all ages have been installed, as well as a wider, safer slide, a mounted spring play vehicle and a wheelchair accessible roundabout.

Local youth groups Happy Faces and Tanga Club helped to chose the new equipment, so it will be accessible to both able and less-able-bodied children.

Local ward councillor for Prudhoe South, Gordon Stewart said: "I am delighted that substantial investment has been made into this playpark, which will be enjoyed by many local families for years to come.

“It will also be welcomed by visitors to the town, therefore supporting local businesses and employment opportunities. A playpark to be very proud of Prudhoe about'.”

Northumberland County Council has been working alongside Prudhoe Town Council and Active Northumberland to secure the future of the park, which had been closed since summer 2019 due to safety concerns.

It was agreed that, from April 2021, the town council will take over the day-to-day management and maintenance of the park from Active.

Mayor of Prudhoe Town Council, Cllr Tracy Gilmore said: “It is wonderful when local organisations can work together to agree action on projects that benefit the whole community.

"Prudhoe Waterworld has always been an extremely popular play area with families.

"The town council asked to be involved when it closed for safety reasons in 2019.

"Forces have worked against all those involved, but their dedication to the scheme has paid off.

"We are sure everyone will have a ‘whale’ of a time, now the play area is open.”

Northumberland County Councillor, Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives added: “We are pleased that the work to replace all of the play surfaces and equipment is now complete.

"It has given this important community asset a new lease of life so it can be reopened safely for our youngest residents and visitors.