WORK is to start on a new play space for children in Tavistock, following an extensive consultation with residents.

A small patch of overgrown land at Abbotsfield has been used by children for building dens and for informal play for many years.

Last year, Tavistock Town Council, which retained the land after it sold Abbotsfield Hall in 1983, proposed to sell it. But the idea sparked objections from people living in the area and councillors decided to launch a full consultation on the matter.

Four options were considered — that it should remain as a wooded area for wildlife and public usage, to sell it, to re-landscape it and convert it into a natural environment play space or to create a formal play park on the 0.08-acre site.

In a report to the council's properties committee, works superintendent Wayne Southall said: 'It is clear from the public feedback that all who have responded are in favour of maintaining the status quo as a minimum, as the local community believe that there is a need for localised play space for Abbotsfield.'

Mr Southall recommended the council adopt option three — to make the site safer through landscaping, improving access and usability of the land, including removal of ground foliage and the filling-in of holes.

He said: 'Other works would include installation of a self-closing gate at the entrance, signage, a litter bin, natural log seating, repairs to the boundary fence and wall.

'Tavistock Town Council would undertake routine maintenance of the site, to keep the site as a suitable play space, to include weekly site inspections.'

Mr Southall added that the council could instigate regular 'play ranger' sessions to educate on usage of the site and advise on natural play, such as tree climbing, den building and use of rope swings if applicable.

This option would cost around £4,000 to £5,000 but could be absorbed within the works budget — the project would take about eight weeks to complete.

Cllr Ted Sherrell recommended leaving the area as it was, as its 'natural wildness was part of its charm and attraction'.

But Mr Southall said left as it was, the area was 'inappropriate' to be used for play.

'There's not a lot of difference between option one and three. It's about trying to keep in touch with the local community, making the site a bit more obvious by putting up signage,' he said.

'I had so much feedback from people saying they didn't know the area existed. There are no signs up there, no indication that it's a space maintained by the council.'

The committee unanimously recommended Mr Southall's proposals should be adopted — the decision was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday.