YOUNGSTERS in Carhampton are celebrating the end of a long wait for facilities certain to provide year-round fun. New equipment for toddlers and young children in the Hillside play area has been installed thanks to a package of grant aid from a range of organisations. A new slide and 'toddler kingdom' has been funded by SureStart West Somerset, the Somerset Community Chest, West Somerset District Council's Rural Initiatives Fund and the Wyvern Environmental Trust. The improvements have come about after the Children's Society worked closely with local parents and Carhampton Parish Council to secure the new equipment. And many challenges along the way failed to dampen the enthusiasm for the additional facilities. Children's Society development worker Claire James said: "It has taken a long time to get this equipment but it's worth the wait. "Parents and the parish council clerk in particular have worked hard to add facilities for children, recognising the lack of things to do in Carhampton. "Young people, parents and children were involved at the beginning of the process to make sure we got it right. I hope everyone can now enjoy the new facility." The improved area is fenced to keep children safe and dogs out as the community consultation identified keeping it free of dog mess was a major priority. The parish council has now agreed to maintain and insure the area and fundraising will continue in the autumn to provide equipment for older children and teenagers. Cllr Philip Mason said: "It's taken a long time but it's good to physically have the equipment at long last. "I walk around the area once a week to inspect it and I know it's already well used. The other day a child told me, 'I've been waiting years for this'." Testing out the new equipment are nine-year-olds Billie Jacobs, left, and Reem Hussain, with, at the front, district councillor for Carhampton Peter Humber with local parish council clerk Faye Barringer-Capp. Behind, from the left, are Angela Lamplugh, Kerry Ely, Jun Armin, Philip Mison and district and county councillor Christine Lawrence. Photo: Steve Guscott