A PLAY AREA where faults were found during an inspection is set to partially reopen next week.

The facility at Lydiard Park, which is inspected annually to ensure it is safe to use, was closed last year after inspectors reported major repairs were needed.

A total of £25,000 was spent on refurbishments and repairs, with an additional £3,000 spent on the area for under sevens which is currently open.

The council said it is waiting for the last pieces of equipment.

Lydiard and Freshbrook councillor Matthew Courtliff said: “That’s an issue I’ve been campaigning for a long time now. It is somewhere both my children play and our extended family when they come and visit.

“It is long overdue, and I think especially with Covid, keeping ourselves at home, the need for outdoor amenities and the resident demands for local leisure has increased.

“So, it’s really important to make sure that this does go ahead, and it’s worth the wait as well.

The play park features huge climbing frame with a range of slides and a pole to go down, sensory panels including a woodland finger maze and other pieces of play equipment.

Coun Courtliff said: “Lydiard Park is one of those special places – and it’s not just people in west Swindon, it’s people all over and even outside of Swindon who visit the park.

“Expanding amenities for families will attract more visitors and make sure that children have a good day out when they come to the park.”

In September last year, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the town centre, heritage and culture, Dale Heenan said: “The equipment in the Lydiard play park is very well used but sadly, it is coming to the end of its life.

“The annual safety inspection highlighted the significant work that needs to be carried out before the park can be safely reopened by the council.”

A council spokesperson said: “Progress is being made on the Lydiard Park play area and we’re waiting for a few more pieces of equipment to arrive before being able to fully re-open.

“The park won’t be reopening this week, but we aim to partially reopen next Friday,” they explained.

“We look forward to welcoming back visitors as soon as possible.”