The people of Benwick got an early Christmas present last week when plans for an exciting new play park were unveiled.

Details of the £115,000 project were outlined to villagers at a meeting at the existing play area on Friday (December 2).

The wide range of new equipment that is on the way from specialist manufacturer HAGS SMP will include a multi-sports area, zipwire, swings, a roundabout and seesaw, as well as a new seating area.

Funding for the project has come from WREN (£50,000), Section 106 contributions (£48,000), Fenland District Council (£13,480) and Benwick Parish Council (£3,000).

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “This is a very ambitious project for a small place like Benwick and a lot of work has gone into securing the funding for it. Now the village can look forward to having some great new equipment that people will be able to enjoy all year round.”

Parish councillor Valerie Gobie said: “This project has been a very long time in the making and we’re pleased we’re nearly there with it. The plans look fantastic. They’ve been tailored to what we need and the children will be thrilled to bits. The sooner we can have it all in place, the better.”

Work is due to start in January, with the project expected to be completed by the end of February.