TWO “deteriorated” play areas are set to be revamped and improved by new equipment thanks to a £233,000 investment.

Rochford Council is set to agree to release funding to purchase new equipment at both Clements Hall and Ashingdon Recreation Ground as part of a wider project to improve parks across the district.

Over the next five years the council plans to invest £1.26million in a huge project to replace equipment and improve facilities.

James Newport, leader of Rochford Council, welcomes the improvements and is confident they will have major benefits for young people and families living in the area.

He said: “We are picking up on 20 years of underinvestment in our play areas.

“The proposal is to invest around £1.2million over the five years.

“We are putting a plan in place to get all of our play equipment updated and replaced, starting with Clements Hall, and Ashingdon Recreation Ground.

“It is really important for people to be able to access these play areas and the outdoors for social interaction with other children.

“Play areas are also free to use so it will be great to have them improve for all families in the area.”

According to a report ahead of a meeting tomorrow, the play areas at Ashingdon Playing Fields are in a “deteriorated” state, with equipment more than 20 years old and at the “end of its life expectancy”.

It highlights how the equipment in the toddler area and senior area is beyond economical repair, with the teen area “heavily vandalised”.

It is a similar situation at Clements Hall, with all play equipment more than 20 years old and at the “end of its life expectancy”.

This includes the popular skatepark.

An investment in these areas will “ensure the community asset is modernised and fit for purpose for the next ten to 20 years”.

The report adds: “Investing in these play spaces based on the age and condition of the equipment is essential to maintain safety, functionality, and appeal.

“Timely investments will help prevent closures and ensure that these play spaces continue to serve as valuable community resources for years to come.”