TRIBUTES were paid to the campaigning efforts of former Fenland District Councillor John West this week after a new �35,000 play park was opened in March.

Former Mayor of March Mr West, who died in December aged 66, had always called for the new play facilities in Dagless Way.

And on Tuesday councillors tried out some of the play equipment at the park, which is the first of seven that are being built or refurbished across the district in the next few months.

The new �35,000 play area boasts two sets of swings, two climbing frames, a football goal, a small bench and a supernova roundabout that was donated free by the suppliers Kompan.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We have been seeking to create this play park for some time and John West was the pioneer for it.

“It was his baby right from the start and it is just very sad that he died before he could see it come into being. He would have been delighted by it.

“We asked the children in the area what equipment they wanted and that is what we have provided.

“I’d like to thank Kompan for its generous donation of the roundabout and also Bob Ollier and his parks team for working so hard to get everything done so quick and within budget.” Work is due to start on another new park in March, in Southwell Close, on November 14. One at North Green, Coates, is now ready and another at Springfields, Eastrea, is expected to be finished next week.

The other three will follow at Willey Terrace, Chatteris, where work is due to start on October 24; Station Road, Whittlesey, starting on October 31; and Wisbech Park, starting on November 28.