Ref. 72718-19The new £56,000 play park in Covingham is already a big hit with children, even though it hasn't been hasn't been officially opened yet.

Work was completed and fences were removed last week and ever since children haven't been able to keep away.

Months ago, pupils at Covingham infant and junior schools were asked to choose their favourite play park design.

The winning bid, entered by design company Komplan, includes kicking walls, basketball nets, obstacle courses and a climbing wall, as well as traditional swings.

It was aimed at the under-13s, but older children have been enjoying it too.

The park's instant popularity is good news for the parish council, which had been concerned because the previous play park was vandalised and closed as a result.

Council clerk Glyn Harris said: "We've let the children get in there and start enjoying the play park. It's great to see them there and last weekend when the weather was fine the place was heaving with kids.

"The majority of people are very happy with the park and we're hoping it will continue to be a success.

"Some of the equipment is innovative and this is what attracted people to the plans in the first place."

Consultations took place with residents for more than a year. Some residents in Martinfield, close to the park, had expressed concern the park would increase noise, vandalism and traffic.

But, so far, the news is all positive. Mother-of-four Yvette Bennett, of St Ambrose Close, said: "My children have been down there and are very impressed."

"They think it looks brilliant and there seems to be something to suit all the different ages."

Ben Clinch, 13, of the Buntings, Covingham, said: "All of us are excited about the new play park opening.

"It's very crowded at the moment because it's so new.

"Some of the equipment is really cool."

Emma-Kate Lidbury