Work has started on a £50,000 scheme to improve and replace play equipment for two neighbouring villages.

Volunteers started preparing the site at Ringsfield Village Hall over the weekend, ahead of the installation of new equipment including an activity shelter, play tower, a basket swing, wheelchair accessible roundabout and seesaw.

The new play area, which will serves youngsters living in Ringsfield and Weston, was funded through a £49,145.95 grant from WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, with the remainder of the £53,000 needed for the scheme coming from donations made by local companies and individuals along with fundraising.

The work got under way at the park off Church Road in Ringsfield on Saturday, with volunteers removing the old equipment and moving the fencing to create a larger play space.

The old bark ground covering will be replaced with turf and there will be a new path and patio, along with two new entrance gates.

The new equipment will start to be installed in March, with the play are due to be completed by May.

Once finished, the play area will not only be larger but will provide a wider variety of equipment for all ages.

Mandy Chapman, booking secretary at the village hall, said: “I am so pleased work on the play area is starting. I originally raised money to refurbish the current play area 20 years ago and as one of the organisers of Weston Country Fayre we were pleased to donate £2,000 to this project. I look forward to seeing the completion of the refurbishment.”

After a request by local children, plans are also in place to keep and refurbish some of the park’s existing equipment including the jogger roller, toddler unit and spinning disc.

Louise Rees, Ringsfield and Weston Parish Council chairman, said: “We are grateful for all the help from volunteers and donations we have received, especially the funding from WREN to enable this project. We look forward to opening the new play area in May.”

Two further indoor car boots sales are planned to raise money for the refurbishment. They will be held on February 3 and 17 at the village hall from 10am to noon. Tables can be booked by calling 07749714747.

• Is your community raising funds for a special project? Email the details to amy.smith@archant.co.uk