A TOWN play area has been revamped following the completion of refurbishment works costing tens of thousands of pounds.

Improvements have been made to Coggeshall Fabians Park, at the end of Fabians Close - equipment at which dated back as far as 1970. 

Led by Coggeshall Parish Council, the project has seen a new five-way swing and inground climbing frame with seating and movable hammocks installed. 

Workshops and focus groups were held by the council with secondary and primary schools and residents to shape the improvements and understand the priorities.

The refurbishment was able to go ahead after housing developers looking to build homes nearby put £36,000 towards additional funding support from Coggeshall Parish Council. 

Gazette: Group - Jean Wardrop, councillor Andy Badger, parish councillor John Claydon, parish councillor Jo Brindley, councillor Gabrielle Spray, , Peter Kohn, Coggeshall parish council Recreation Sub-Committee Member, and Philippa Potter, parish clerk for Coggeshall Parish Council Group - Jean Wardrop, councillor Andy Badger, parish councillor John Claydon, parish councillor Jo Brindley, councillor Gabrielle Spray, , Peter Kohn, Coggeshall parish council Recreation Sub-Committee Member, and Philippa Potter, parish clerk for Coggeshall Parish Council (Image: Braintree District Council)

The parish council now hopes to secure funding in the future to make further improvements, including new planting, improved paths and adult exercise equipment.

Gabrielle Spray, councillor responsible for planning and infrastructure at Braintree Council, said the refurbishment is "yet another example" of how towns and villages can benefit from money secured from housing developments. 

She said: “I encourage residents to share where they would like to see new or improved open space facilities located with their local parish and town councils so this can be taken on board for future projects.

The money handed over by the developers, called Section 106 funding, was held by Braintree Council but is the responsibility of various authorities to deliver its spend.

Gabrielle described Section 106 as a “complex area of planning” and said the district council cannot control if and when the funding is spent by other authorities who have responsibility in certain areas like education, health and highways.

Jo Brindley, parish councillor at Coggeshall Parish Council, said: “We asked our young people what they wanted, we talked to the residents and together we found a way to make what was a forlorn play area into an exciting space with something for everyone to enjoy.”

Other projects on the horizon across the district include a skatepark refurbishment in Halstead, artificial grass pitches, the new Witham Community Centre, improvements along the Flitch Way in Braintree and replacing the boardwalk at Coggeshall Pieces in Halstead.