Work is underway to provide a Weymouth community with a new playpark.

The project, costing more than £90,000, is an exciting addition to The Marsh playing fields at Westham and will be welcomed by local families.

A previous park at the site behind the swimming pool was removed several years ago.

It is part of wider plan to improve The Marsh.

The Friends of the Marsh have been working with Weymouth and Portland Borough council on the plans, an in consultation from residents.

In February an evcent was held where families and residents were invited to view designs and put forward their ideas for the new play area.

The project has been funded by off-site developer contributions.

Contractors have been on site removing old fencing and preliminary works for the installation of the play equipment were expected to start yesterday.

The new play equipment is expected to arrive today.

The work will take approximately three to four weeks to complete and, weather permitting, will be open for the start of the school summer holidays. The play area has cost £80,000 and the new galvanised bow top fencing an additional £11,650.

The play area will be suitable for children aged between 3-12 years and includes a climbing hut, seesaw, trampolines, a combination swing, zip wire and much more. The equipment is accessible to as many children as possible, balancing different needs according to abilities. This includes equipment suitable for children with motor, visual and hearing impairments, as well as those with learning difficulties.

Cllr Kate Wheller, Briefholder for Community Facilities at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “The Marsh play area will include some really fun and inclusive equipment to offer all children the enjoyment of play. It will provide families the opportunity to take their children somewhere safe to play near to their home, which was a request many made when we consulted local residents.

"The provision of a play area is one exciting part of a larger improvement plan for The Marsh that the borough council’s parks team has implemented.

"Plans for more improvements will follow, including the installation of a skate park and a BMX track where we will work with young people to develop the project.”

To celebrate the opening of the new play area, the Friends of The Marsh will be hosting a Family Fun Day with details to be announced nearer the time.