A RECENTLY refurbished play park with new equipment for children of all ages has been officially opened.

Work at the park on Snows Green Road in Shotley Bridge was completed before Christmas and the launch was held on Tuesday morning.

Children from Shotley Bridge Primary School, next to the site, were invited to the event, with the councillors from Durham County Council behind the £94,000 scheme.

Funding has come from community funding allocated by Story Homes as a result of its housing development on the Shotley Bridge Hospital site, along with money from local councillors’ neighbourhood budgets.

Councillor Stephen Robinson said: “There was a little park beforehand, but it was well past its sell-by date. It had to be renewed.

“It has really brought the community together and everyone has been really behind us.

“It is one of the most positive projects we have done in the Benfieldside division.”

There is a small park for pre-school age children, with bigger equipment for older ones and an adventure trail for teenagers.

Mother-of-two Moira Barnes, who has already started using the facilities, said she cannot wait for summer to hold picnics there with her children.

She said: “We can spend ages here and the kids love it. It is like a dream come true.”

Shotley Bridge Primary School intends to use the park whenever it can and use it to reward good behaviour from pupils.

Assistant headteacher Danny Patterson, who brought Year Six pupils to launch, said: “They love it and have been every night since it was built.

“We are going to use it as a reward and will bring children over at play times.

“They are really proud of this park and are happy it is here.”

A planning application to build a similar £54,000 park at Hardy’s Corner in Bridgehill has also been submitted.

Cllr Peter Oliver said: “Bridgehill has not had anything for kids for years. It’s brilliant for their development and it is really important for their parents as well.”

The new park in Bridgehill is expected to be ready by the summer holidays.