WORK is set to start on a major upgrade of a Millom Play Park.

State-of-the-art climbing towers and slides, group swings and spinning equipment will be installed at the St George’s Road park by April 2021 in the first phase of a redevelopment programme.

Groundwork will take pace before Christmas, with the installation of the new equipment starting in January.

After receiving just over £200,000 from Copeland Council, Millom Town Council is leading the redevelopment.

Cllr Ruth Peter, Acting Mayor of Millom, said: “We are thrilled that work will soon start on this much-needed redevelopment.

“The children themselves decided on the key elements they wanted to see incorporated within their new park and also selected the overall design concept, so it has truly been created by the children – for the children.

“This wonderful outcome after years of hard work and commitment to the community is, in part, a result of the vision of the previous Mayor, Councillor Angela Dixon, and the professionalism of Councillor Jenn Jakubowski.”

Deborah Wilson, from Millom Infant School, said: “The children have enthusiastically thought about how they would like the park to be developed, and we believe it would be a hive of activity - a real hub of the community – and a place where they will value and take great pride in.”

Kelly James, of Stepping Stones, added: “The park desperately needs and deserves major upgrades. The space is vast and could be an invaluable asset to the town, drawing in visitors and giving the children and young people of our town a safe and inviting area for them to play, socialise and have fun!”

Cumbrian firm Playdale, will install the new park equipment in the first phase.