THE first part of a £200,000 improvement scheme at Buckhurst Field, Walcot, could be up and running before the summer is out.

After two years of planning and consultation, the committee of local people charged with driving the scheme forward has received a grant of just under £93,000 from the Living Spaces fund.

"We are pretty ecstatic now we have the money," said committee member Sara Slack.

It means local youngsters will soon see something tangible after all the consultations and research the Buckhurst Field Project Group has carried out in the area over the past months.

The scheme includes a new play area with modern play equipment, a hard-surfaced kickabout area, a skating area, shelters in which teenagers can meet and tree planting.

First to appear will be the kickabout pen, and committee members are hopeful work will start in the next few weeks.

In September, work will begin on the play area, while the skate area, which will be used by skateboarders, BMX bikers and roller skaters, is expected in the early part of next year once designs have been finalised.

Fellow committee member John Brownlee said: "One of the problems is that we have had public consultations and in some cases the response has been next to nil."

Local people have another chance to take a look at the plans and make final suggestions when the Walcot Dome, which is next to the field, holds a family fun day tomorrow.

Tina Clarke