CHILDREN in Covingham will soon be deciding the future of their new play park.

Pupils at Covingham Park Infant and Junior Schools are being invited to have their say on how the new facility will take shape.

They will be given the three proposals and asked to vote for their favourite plan as part of the parish council's consultation process.

Three tenders have been submitted to the parish council, which plans to spend £56,000 on play equipment for Covingham Park.

Once children, parents and residents have been consulted, work will start within the next five months.

Yvette Bennett, a 35-year-old mother of four from St Ambrose Close, said: "I've seen the plans and I think the park is going to be very good.

"The equipment is divided between the age groups so there's something for everyone. Some of the equipment looks fantastic.

"This will be good for the children and good for the area.

"Consulting the children is a great idea. They should be involved in the decisions because they will be the ones using it."

One mother with young children, who did not want to be named, said: "The children will really enjoy choosing their favourite play park. It makes sense for them to be consulted.

"Not everyone has swings and slides in their back garden so I think there should be a play area that's accessible for all.

"It's not often the parish council has this amount of money to spend on a new play facility so I think this is a golden opportunity."

The new play park is likely to be built in Covingham Park next to the schools, but the exact location has not yet been finalised.

Residents are hoping it will be centrally situated so that it is open and accessible and does not become a target for vandals.

Problems have previously arisen in Covingham with play parks in secluded areas being attacked by drunken youths and vandals.

Glyn Harris, clerk of the parish council, said: "We are aiming for an open play area which infants, toddlers and juniors will all be able to enjoy.

"We have taken advice from all the necessary authorities and really look forward to providing the children with something they can enjoy.

"As with all consultations, we will listen to what the people have to say."

Six companies entered quotes and three tenders were shortlisted.

Mr Harris said one company had entered an innovative, state-of-the-art play area design while the other two proposals included equipment such as basketball nets, kicking walls, obstacle courses, playhouses, swings and slides.

Emma-Kate Lidbury