CHILDREN on a large Gunnislake housing estate are jumping for joy this week after hearing that their play area is about to get a major revamp thanks to the Big Lottery Fund. Woodland Way is one of five 'high priority' play areas in Caradon to share the £200,000 grant and follows a community campaign involving local residents, the police, housing associations and Caradon District Council. The dilapidated playpark which serves a residential area of around 170 homes, made up of social housing and privately owned former council properties, has declined over the years through neglect and vandalism. Only a couple of swings remain on the site. But come the spring the park will be kitted out with a mixture of adventure-style and traditional play equipment chosen by the children and parents themselves. Local resident Nina Knott, 29, was involved in the community action group: 'I have lived on and off at Woodland Way since I was two years old. 'There are an awful lot of families here and the children either play on the street or on the old play park area which has been made safe but there is nothing much there in terms of equipment. 'This funding will pay for a scheme which is very adventurous and very grand indeed. It's going to be wonderful.' Caradon District Council held two consultation days at Woodland Way, firstly to find out what the priorities were for youngsters in the area and secondly to choose a design for the play park. Ward member for Gunnislake Cllr Margaret Allen said the money was a fantastic boost for Gunnislake which had very little for young people to do. 'Local residents in that area have been working extremely hard to bring everyone together on this campaign and liaising between the community and Caradon,' she said. 'It is really important that the youngsters have somewhere to go, and physical outdoor play starts them on the road to good fitness habits for life, helping them to develop co-ordination, strength and agility. 'As a community we should not grumble about our young people but recognise them as the most important part of our community — they are our future and we have to provide for them. At the same time they must understand that if we do give them something they must take ownership and responsibility.' Former police community support officer for Gunnislake Nicole Garcia, who was involved in the campaign, said it was fantastic news: 'I am extremely happy because the kids really deserve this. 'It is a very positive thing for that area and I hope it will encourage and inspire the community to go on and do further things.' Developing a youth club, internet café and a park for older children in Gunnislake are all projects being worked on at the moment.