CORSHAM youngsters were left smiling from ear to ear this week after the town council officially opened the new play area near the Springfield Recreational ground just in time for the summer holidays.

The £154,000 project has been jointly funded by the town council and Wiltshire Council to give the area a facelift after the old playground was removed to make way for the construction of the Springfield Community Campus.

Town council chairman Ruth Hopkinson said despite the rainy weather, the play area was an immediate success with children.

“The play area was one of the final external places to be finished off for the community campus and the equipment now there provides a variety of experiences for young to older children,” she added.

“On the day, as soon as children came out from Corsham School and realised they had access to the play area they swarmed in and took every advantage of all the new equipment.

“We hope the play area will be a success and we think that it will because the opinions of children were considered and listened to.”

The town council worked with Bath Spa PhD student Kate Langham in drawing the plans which were based on feedback from parents, children and schools at numerous consultation sessions.

At the official opening on Monday, youth council members also buried a time capsule in hope that it will be dug up in 50 years time to show what life was like for residents in Corsham.

Sharon Thomas, head of community services, said following the removal of the old play area, the town council was inspired to hear what designs or improvements could be made to the new site.

“What we unveiled this week was the result of what we wanted for the play area and I think we got it right. It has really been a community planned project because lots of people were able to have their say,” she said.

“There is still a bit of work to finish off with the grass but it is open as we promised in time for the summer holidays.”