Cheshire East Council is to begin work to deliver substantial improvements to one of Alsager's play areas.

Children and families will be able to enjoy new equipment and a significantly enhanced recreation facility in Hassall Road, in Alsager from April.

Work is due to begin from 15 March and has been funded by contributions from local development schemes secured by Cheshire East.

Using section 106 funding worth £75,000, the council will begin installing a range of new play equipment and carry out improvements to the basketball court.

The council's environmental services company, Ansa, is working with Alsager Town Council on details of the plans and it is hoped that a phase two scheme, funded by the town council, will be progressed later this year to include further improvements to the open space.

Cllr Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for green spaces, said: "The council has been discussing these plans with the town council and local ward members for some time in response to requests from residents to see improvements to this facility.

"I am pleased that we are now able to progress this and that there is the prospect of further enhancements later on.

"I also want to thank our team in Ansa for their hard work in securing the developer contributions through the planning process, which have helped to fund this project."

The funding allocated to the scheme will allow for the purchase of a range of modern equipment, including:

â— Trim trail/climbing equipment for older children;

â— Play zone multi-unit for junior and older children;

â— Two-bay swing set, basket swing and two flat seats – all ages; and

â— Toddler train and various spinning items for the very young.

Alsager ward member, Cllr Philip Williams, said: "With the range of equipment this will provide, this improved provision will be warmly welcomed by our residents who wish to see this green space transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art recreation facility for the benefit of children and young people.

"In time we will see a valued recreation and open space parkland that will benefit people of all ages, including adults wanting to enjoy a pleasant, outdoor facility on their doorstep.

"Alsager town councillors have worked hard to help secure funding and I look forward to working with them and local residents on further developments on this site."

The project is being delivered and overseen by the council's environmental services company Ansa.