A NEW state-of-the-art children's play area is planned for Chickerell and residents are being invited to view drawings for both the play area and multi-use games court at the town council offices.

Based on ideas from local young people, the future play area includes innovative new equipment which children of all abilities can enjoy.

It will have stimulating areas for toddlers as well as more challenging facilities for older children.

Chickerell Town Council worked closely with community fundraisers and selected a design that closely matches the prize-winning idea by local school student Billy Doonan.

The play area will be on Willowbed Field, which is owned and managed by the town council.

The town council has also been working with Chickerell Primary School to provide a multi-use games area on the field for both school and community use.

Meanwhile, a drainage scheme is being investigated so that the new facilities will not be spoilt by the muddy conditions that happen on the field in the winter.

The community group raised £10,000 towards the £175,000 scheme.

The rest of the funding will be provided by Chickerell Town Council, Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council and Chickerell Primary School with additional funds from C G Fry & Sons' contributions towards community facilities to support future developments.

The new Chickerell Youth Forum, Youfirst, is raising funds for seating on the field that the whole community can use.

Chickerell Mayor Jean Dunseith said: "The designs for the play area are so exciting, particularly as they closely match what the children have dreamed about.

"Everyone will be able to join in the fun as we will have slides, swings and a roundabout that disabled children and carers can also use.

"Older children can be active on the latest equipment as well as enjoying the quieter spaces.

"The new games court, together with the existing goalposts, will provide opportunities for constructive exercise for the whole community.

"All the equipment will be built to very rugged standards using environmentally friendly materials and will be suitable for the rural atmosphere of Willowbed Field.

"The whole project has benefited from community involvement.

"Chickerell@Play worked hard to raise money and the town council has been very busy behind the scenes organising public funding and practical issues such as drainage so facilities can operate all year round.

"I'm also very pleased that the new Chickerell youth forum is involved in the scheme, as it's really important that the scheme provides what young people want and feel part of."

Julie Cleaver of Chickerell@Play said: "I'm pleased that the project is progressing well, the children of Chickerell are looking forward to using the new facilities.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported the project."

The drawings for both the play area and multi-use games court can be seen at the town council offices at Willowbed Hall, Putton Lane.

The office is open from 8.30am to 3.15pm from Monday to Friday and will close at 1pm for 30 minutes.