Newly refurbished play area at the Memorial Hall in Brundall. Rosie Briggs and Ellen Taylor with PCSO Wally Oldham who opened the play area. Picture: James Bass

A play area which was looking a little long in the tooth has been given a new lease of life thanks to a revamp.

The previous play area in Brundall was more than 20 years old, but children are thrilled at the new equipment and shelter at the park, next to the Memorial Hall off Links Avenue.

The revamp project was the result of extensive consultations carried out by a working party from Brundall Parish Council and Memorial Hall, with help from local children, the youth club and the Norfolk police safer neighbourhood team.

Sharon Smyth, parish clerk, said: “The existing play area was over 20 years old and, as well as the youth shelter, was beginning to look tired.

“We wanted to attract families back to the play area and make it more accessible for disabled children.”

The project was funded by the parish council, with grants from Broadland District Council (£10,000), Norfolk Community Foundation (£5,000) and the Geoffrey Watling Charity (£2,000).

The play area was officially opened yesterday (Friday) afternoon, with the parish council asking police community support officer Wally Oldham to do the honours.

Andrew Proctor, leader of Broadland District Council, said: “We were impressed with the work the group did to make sure they were providing the right thing for their community, and the way the organisations worked together.

“The project should help the whole community by reducing anti-social behaviour, as well, by providing good quality outdoor activities for children and young people.”