In a decision which follows a strategic assessment of existing play provision, the council has agreed to spend up to £990,000 creating new play areas and extending and revamping existing sites across the Ards.

Londonderry Park in Newtownards is to become a ‘signature’ playground, containing a large scale play park with completely new equipment and a dedicated ball game area. A further seven substantial play areas will be created, while another eight smaller, existing sites are earmarked for refurbishment to modern standards. Alderman Margaret Craig, chairman of the council’s Leisure Service s Sub-Committee and ‘Champion of Play’ said she was delighted that the results of an extensive review project carried out on behalf of the Council by PlayBoard, Northern Ireland’s play charity, will now be seen on the ground: “Ards currently has 39 play parks, which, in comparison to many other areas, is a significant number,” Alderman Craig said.

“However, some are more modern than others, and in cases where the play parks are older, you have to question the quality of play which children can enjoy.

“This new plan means that our children are going to benefit from play areas that are in the best locations, with the most up-to-date equipment and I look forward to seeing work begin”.

As well as the large scale development at Londonderry Park, the other significant developments will take place at:

• The Village Hall in Ballygowan where the existing play area is to be removed, with the exception of recently installed swings, and new equipment installed.

• Lower Crescent, Comber, already a modernised play park, which is to be revamped and some new equipment added.

• The Commons, Donaghadee, also modernised in recent years but which is to have new equipment, including provision for toddlers.

• Windy Ridge in Ballywalter which is to be completely replaced with new equipment.

• Portavogie, where the exact location of the new play facility has yet to be confirmed, as has the site for the new facility to be developed in Portaferry which is currently at Cloughey Road in the town.

• Donaghadee Road, Newtownards which has also been identified as a potential site for a new play area, filling a gap on the east side of Newtownards where no play areas are currently sited.

Part of the process will include consultation with groups of local children as well as community representatives about the location of play areas as well as the kind of equipment which new play areas should include.