THE King George V play area has been given the seal of approval after a £42,000 makeover.

Nailsworth Mayor Myles Robinson opened the play area after a year long refurbishment which included brand new equipment as well as much needed maintenance.

The play area had not been fully revamped for at least 20 years and was costing the council more and more to maintain.

However, thanks to £34,500 of developer’s money made available from the sale of the former Hazelwood Factory site and additional funds from the town council precept, the once ‘shabby looking’ play area has had a complete makeover.

“We wanted to create a family friendly playground aimed at children up to 11 years, said Sally Thorpe, the lead Nailsworth town councillor on the project.

“However, we also included skateboard ramps and football pitches for teenagers.

“So far the new play area seems to be a real hit with children and their parents and is already getting a lot of use which is great to see.”

Sarah Urquart, a local sports and play specialist, volunteered to help with the project.

She carried out consultation on the design with parents of children under five years and also with Nailsworth Primary School pupils, who had the final decision on the design.

“We wanted to create a play area where children could play imaginatively and who better to make the final decision on the design than the children who will be using it,” said Mrs Urquart.

The town council began the project last autumn after getting advice from Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association and Stroud District Council about the best way forward which included consulting with children and families in the area.

Town councillor Steve Robinson said: “I hope that families will feel welcome and see the park as a destination and a place where they can stay for a while.”

The whole project has only taken a year to complete since the £42,000 became available to the town council.