NEW playground equipment worth tens of thousands of pounds has been installed in a Parkeston park to help children keep fit and have fun.

Parkeston councillor Bill Davidson has revealed £35,653 worth of “106 money” – referring to developer contributions as part of agreements for intended for social and community projects – has been spent on improving the Parkeston Welfare Park playground.

Among other additions, the playground is now home to a 'hamster wheel', a new slide, and a springboard. 

Mr Davidson said: “We were lucky enough to get it, we asked for it and we got the equivalent.

“It has taken about six months from start to finish and the hamster wheel, as I like to call it, I don’t think there is another one in Essex.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Fun - The playground's new 'hamster wheel'Fun - The playground's new 'hamster wheel' (Image: Submitted)

The toddler area has been placed where there is tree shade and Mr Davidson said in the next few weeks a fence and gate in the “same bright colours of the equipment” will arrive.

Mr Davidson said despite the latest TDC grant the park remains village-owned meaning it requires fundraising for its maintenance and for inspections.

This year the park's Every Can Counts scheme, which started more than eight years ago, won a Pride of Tendring Award for both raising money and recycling cans which otherwise would end up in landfill.

Mark Stephenson, leader of Tendring Council welcomed the new play equipment and said: “This wonderful park is run by a committee of local volunteers and TDC is delighted to have been able to facilitate the request for funding,” he said.

“The money comes from a developer contribution as part of an agreement for obtaining planning permission.

Mr Stephenson added: “Youngsters using the park can now benefit from new toddler equipment and a fun ‘hamster wheel’ rotator.

“As part of Our Vision, we are committed to working with our partners to improving quality of life and hope this new equipment will be enjoyed by young people for years to come.”

The next fundraising activity will take place on June 9 with a fun day set to be arranged.