A BARRY residents’ group has been successful in its campaign to give a much-loved play area – affectionately known as The Dump – a £70,000 makeover.

The West End Play Association, established by mum-of-three Rachel Zeraschi and Anna Beardsley, has secured Vale council funding which will enable more than 100 regular public park users to use modern equipment in the Salisbury Road area.

The investment means the area, the association has renamed Fforest Community Park, will boast facilities the whole community can enjoy.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is currently appointing a contractor to undertake the work, which it is hoped will start early in the New Year and be completed before Easter 2017.

The council have been really proactive in their vision for the park. The west end play association wanted to advocate for the families in the west end of Barry.

Mrs Zeraschi said: “The council have been really proactive in their vision for the park. The west end play association wanted to advocate for the families in the west end of Barry.

“We'd love to see play equipment integrated with natural, free play opportunities. It is also important to us that there are interpretive pieces of equipment which will lead to more creative uses of the equipment.

“We have fed back that the community want equipment that is in keeping with the environment. We also believe that the community will look after the equipment now that they have been given so many ideas towards the new park. I'm thrilled that the play park will be in place in the New Year and I think the name, that West End Play Association chose, Forest community Park really encompasses our vision of the park.

“We are also hoping to be involved in other projects in the west end of Barry so that has come on the back of the success of this park being provided.”

This latest scheme continues a widespread programme of recent investment in parks and play areas across the Vale.

Work is due to start shortly at the nearby Gladstone Gardens while improvements to four parks in Penarth are also currently underway.

Vale council leader, cllr Neil Moore said: “These proposals will see a significant sum invested to create a new community park that local residents of all ages will be able to enjoy.

“The improvements are part of an ongoing ambitious programme of works to upgrade playgrounds in Barry and the wider Vale with several more play area enhancements planned over the next 12 months.

“It is hoped we can provide, modern, safe and exciting areas for children to enjoy.

“I would encourage people to complete the online survey or attend the drop-in session so they can have an input into what features the play area will contain.”