A PUBLIC engagement exercise will take place next Wednesday (4 August) for residents to decide on their favourite play area option for Swan Mead Park.

The majority of the equipment in the existing play area had to be removed last year, after serious vandalisation and fire damage occurred.

As part of the council's Play Review, a 10-year programme of investment in play areas, Swan Mead will have £150,000 spent on a brand new play area to open before the end of this year.

Having gone out to tender for the new play area, there are now three appropriate options that have been selected. Officers will be at the site next Wednesday between 2-5pm to show the designs to local residents from them to choose their preferred option.

Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "The slogan of this administration is Your Council, Your Say and that's exactly what this engagement exercise is about.

"We have three designs of inclusive play areas that we feel would be suitable and really enjoyed by residents. This is a key site for the council and a site where I know residents are really missing their play area. We're not going to let the vandals win.

"We need the opinions of as many residents as possible to decide one you would like best – please go down next Wednesday and share your views and be a part of an important decision for the local community."