Children in Watchet were this week enjoying the results of a £20,000 project to improve the Memorial Ground play area, following the decision to remove equipment which was falling into a state of disrepair.

The project, led by the town council’s clerical officer, Jo Grellier, saw the installation of an agility course suitable for up to 49 children aged three-plus and a five-way Pentagon junior swing set, to promote physical and social development and exercise.

The new equipment is hoped to provide many hours of fun and exercise for the community and visitors. Four baby swings are also available.

The under-fives’ play castle has been removed and given to Knights Templar First School which will put it back into a safe and usable condition for the pupils to use in addition to their current play castle.

Cllr Loretta Whetlor, chairman of the tourism and leisure committee, said: “We are very pleased to be able to provide this new play equipment for the children of Watchet and our visitors. With so many more younger people in the area it is a great addition to what is already available.

“Once we have the new seating installed this will become a very attractive area for the younger members of our society and their families.” 

Watchet’s mayor, Cllr John Irven, added: “We as a council are continuing to improve our community spaces and facilities where we are able. We hope our initiatives will continue to provide improved recreational spaces especially as part of emerging from Covid lockdowns.”