A NEW play area in Barry, set to open in the spring, was visited by families and councillors to see how work is progressing.

Residents in the West End of Barry had asked for an existing play area to be replaced due to equipment being worn out.

Now the new Fforest Community Park, behind Salisbury Road, is being developed to be larger and to include a wider range of equipment and seating.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council funded the project which has been planned and developed by councillors with help from parents and children from the area.

Rachel Zeraschi, secretary of the Play Association said: “I am thrilled to see the parks taking shape. It has been very important to us that the West End of Barry had improved play facilities and these wonderful parks will be great assets to the community.

“I hope they will be loved and looked after by the families in this area and I’m really looking forward to bring my own children here.

“Fforest Community Park has a new name and new play equipment and feels like a very special place to me.”

Fforest Community Park is one of three new play areas in the Illtyd area with one in Peterswell Road and St Lythan’s Road all planning to open during spring.

Cllr John Drysdale said: “These new play areas are part of a revitalisation of children’s play across the Vale of Glamorgan which the Vale Council has initiated and carried out.

“Alongside the new play equipment, programmes of playschemes will be run during school holidays to engage children and parents.”