Top of the range equipment has been installed on a Banbury estate playground

Ollie Buckle, aged three, and his sister Becky, two, watched the playground take shape and tried out the climbing frame at the opening by Cllr John Colegrave (pictured)

Children on Banbury’s Timms Estate are enjoying an improved playground after an £80,000 makeover with top-of-the-range play equipment and safe soft surfacing.

The updated playground - with the improvements financed by Banbury Town Council - was opened yesterday (Tuesday) by Easington councillor John Colegrave.

The new facility, in Timms Road, is designed for up to 12-year-olds and is disabled-friendly.

Covid restrictions prevented a full-scale opening ceremony but the council wanted the new facility back in use straightaway after an eight-week closure.

Cllr Colegrave, chairman of the council’s general services committee, said: “This new playground is excellent and there was no reason to keep it closed any longer than necessary.

“Children can use it safely and the new play equipment is suitable for boys and girls of all abilities.

“The site hadn’t been refurbished for some years and a full upgrade was needed.

“The old play equipment, wooden fencing and underfoot bark were all removed and replaced. This new facility is fun and I’m sure local children will spend many happy hours here.”

“The makeover is part of the town council’s ongoing programme of updating its play areas. Hill View play area will be refurbished during the coming year," he said.