New play area to open in five weeks

A NEW �5,000 play area in the King George V playing field in Carter Avenue could be installed within the next month after children and their parents voted on the design they wanted.

A NEW �5,000 play area in the King George V playing field in Carter Avenue could be installed within the next month after children and their parents voted on the design they wanted.

Children have been waiting since March after the rusting 'tractor' slide was removed following a district council safety inspection.

It was hoped the slide, paid for by developers, would be replaced by the summer so children could enjoy it during their school break.

But following an East Devon District Council play event on Bank Holiday Saturday, residents choose which piece of play equipment they wanted.

A total of 98 residents of all ages, including 53 children under the age of 16, came along to vote for which of the five options they preferred.

The winner, with 43 votes, was option number four, a bold coloured design by Proludic and is a slide incorporating a roof and small climbing wall.

An EDDC spokesman said: "As well as enjoying the beautiful weather children had the chance to have their faces painted, learnt some circus skills and played giant games with their families."

The money for the new piece of play equipment has come from Section 106 funding for play and recreation, which is from developer contributions to the area following housing developments.