SCHOOLCHILDREN in Marlow now have a new place to play after a housing association spent £30,000 improving and updating a dilapidated park.

Located between Marlow C of E and Holy Trinity School on Sandygate Close, the children’s play park had been in disrepair for some time.

But it has been given an overhaul thanks to funding from housing agency Red Kite with support from residents.

After the council housing agency approached residents in the area, an application was put together for an improved play area and was agreed in partnership with its tenant-led Neighbourhood Interest Group, and the agency Board.

Marlow Mayor Suzanne Brown cut the ribbon on the new area, which features a slide, swings and a spinning climbing frame.

And pupils from tried out the equipment for the first time on Friday, putting the new equipment through its paces to dizzying effect.

Ben Eales, Red Kite community project manager said: "We’re so pleased to be able to improve the local area for children and residents by opening the new park.

The previous facilities were very basic and didn’t encourage the community spirit that we stand for. "Knowing that the children now have fantastic equipment to enjoy makes the job worthwhile! Applying for the budget for improvements such as this is really easy, with forms on our website.

"As long as the improvement benefits everyone, has the support of local people and the community and displays our values of partnership, respect and pride, we are more than happy to help where we can."

Young people in Marlow will soon have another place to spend their free time, with another play area underway.

Marlow Town Council has agreed to agree to take over an area off Wycombe Road from Wycombe District Council, which will feature play equipment for public use.

When the play area near Bobmore Lane is fully installed and ready, the town council will maintain it using funds of over £70,000 supplied by WDC for the long term upkeep of the site.

Councillors gave the handover the green light at a full town council meeting last month.