TRAMPOLINES, slides, and state-of-the-art climbing frames will be installed in play areas across Basildon after nearly £500,000 of contracts were dished out. 

Three suppliers have been handed huge contracts by Basildon Council in a bid to continue it vision of creating "well-designed and inclusive" play spaces across the borough. 

Play areas in the Hatherley, in Basildon, Ward Close, in Laindon, Hannakins Farm, in Billericay, Fryerns Open Space, Jubilee Drive, in Wickford, and Barhall recreation ground, in Wickford, will all benefit. 

Echo: Example - what one of the new playgrounds could look likeExample - what one of the new playgrounds could look like (Image: Jeff Henry)

Jeff Henry, councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts and culture, said: “We’re very pleased to have awarded more contracts to play equipment providers to refurbish and make our playgrounds more accessible.

“The council will get much better value for money than swings, such as wheelchair-accessible trampolines and a slide and climbing unit.

“Over the next 10 years, all of Basildon’s playgrounds will be refurbished.

“We’ve gone into many schools and nurseries to hear what the kids would like to see and play with in our parks, and this has influenced our equipment decision-making process.

“It’s been a big learning curve, and we hope it will serve many generations to come.

“The works are still yet to be scheduled in, and delivery will be announced as soon as practical."

Echo: Pleased - Jeff HenryPleased - Jeff Henry (Image: Basildon Council)

Proludic Limited, Kompan Limited and Wickstead Leisure Limited are the three suppliers to be awarded contracts, which totals £465,854.08.

A big chunk of the cash is going to the Fryerns open space, in the Fryerns ward, with £139,956.03 being allocated, and the least amount is going to Jubilee Drive, in the Wickford North ward, with £30,431.28 planned.

In July, it was revealed Pendle Drive, Codenham Green, Audley Way, Great Gregorie, Little Dodden and Scarletts, and Spire Road were also getting refurbishments worth £287,104.46.

Work on Spire Road is starting on November 6 and will take five weeks, while Audley Way is taking place on November 9 and will be done in a fortnight.

Great Gregorie and Little Dodden is commencing on November 16 for three weeks, while Scarletts is beginning on November 27 and will take three weeks.