A PARK in Callington left barren of play equipment for older children will soon get a new lease of life with news that a funding bid has been successful.

Cornwall Council's playbuilder fund has offered £40,000 to Callington Town Council, subject to a project plan being approved for the Saltash Road Recreation Ground.

The equipment for the 8 to 13 year olds had to be removed recently after a member of the public raised concerns about six-inch nails protruding from the main play equipment.

On inspection, other parts were found to be rotten or in need or urgent repairs and the whole structure was immediately removed to safeguard against potential accidents.

Callington town clerk Vernon Anderson said the funding had come just at the right time: 'It is fortuitous that just as the old play equipment has come to the end of its life we have been offered this grant. All the consultation with the children over the summer has really paid off.

'This is excellent and the next stage is to engage a landscape architect to draw up the master plan and get confirmation of the bid and then we can take this forward as fast as we can.'

The town council expects the project to cost in the region of £60,000, and the £20,000 shortfall will be made up by the council itself.

Mr Anderson said this was the final year that playbuilder funding was available so it was 'absolutely super' that Callington was to be a recipient.

'The kids have been tremendous in all of this,' he added. 'We had several events to consult them at the Lions Club Gala Day teddy bear's picnic, play event and painting competition, and they have given us the ideas they would like to see.

'We have had over 100 responses in one way or another and quite a range of ideas with a trampoline and multi play unit high on the list.

'We aim to create a plan which incorporates as many of the children's ideas as possible.'

Landscaping to create slopes as well as boulders, logs and tunnels may also form part of the plan and it has been suggested that Cornwall's mining heritage should be reflected in the design.

The older children's play area will cater for children who are disabled and be more accessible, nearer to the car park to assist parents who are disabled.

The scheme is part of a wider plan to revamp the whole park with the younger children's play area next on the list. The whole project is estimated at £120,000.