HOPES have been raised that an inclusive £200,000 play area planned for Walton will be a “destination in its own right”.

The play area at Bath House Meadow has been designed to be enjoyed by all children – including those with mobility and other special needs.

The project will include the refurbishment of the existing play area on the open space between Naze Marine Holiday Park and the beach along with the introduction of new specialised equipment.

Michael Talbot, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for environment, said it is hoped facility which will become a destination in its own right and attract families from further afield.

He added: “I feel very proud about this and it will be the first time we have provided such a play area for all children irrespective of any mobility or mental health difficulties they may have.

“Parents will be able to go to the site with full confidence that their children will be able to use the high quality equipment and interact with others.”

Essex County Council’s Essex Short Breaks for Disabled Children scheme handed a £100,000 to Tendring Council to pay towards the project, on top of the Changing Place facility.

A further £80,000 is coming from developer’s contributions from housing schemes and the final £20,000 from Tendring Council’s play area budget.

Council leader Neil Stock said: “This is fantastic and at a total cost of £20,000 to the Tendring council tax payer.”

Planning permission has already been granted for the initiative and it has now been agreed by the council’s cabinet.

It also gave the go ahead for contractor Jupiter Play and Leisure to design and construct the play area, which it is hoped will help to improve and regenerate the appearance of the site.