A NEW skate park and disabled friendly play area are on the cards as the council plans to improve open spaces.

Braintree Council has highlighted green areas in Halstead which need an upgrade.

It has created an action plan to attract more people to areas such as the River Walk and Ramsey Road recreation ground.

New safe cycle ways, a natural play zone and first aid equipment could be supplied along the River Walk.

Additional land has also been earmarked for an extension of Halstead Cemetery.

Disabled play facilities and an outdoor gym have been proposed for Mill Chase playing field and a new play area is planned for the open space of Windmill Road.

After years of residents complaining Halstead Town Council said a new skate park in Ramsey Road will definitely happen.

The redesign of the skate park, which is 20 years old, could cost up to £150,000.

The skate park is mentioned in the action plan as well as new play areas and an enclosure with seating.

The action plan said: “There is no ranking of open space proposals, as the likelihood of any proposal being implemented will depend on the availability of finance.

“The sources of funding of open space improvements include capital budgets of both public and private organisations, grants available from government and charitable trusts, and Section 106 receipts.

“Because the actions proposed are reliant on the availability of financial contributions, no time scales are given for the proposals.”

The action plan will be kept under continuous review.