Kingsbridge Town Council will be holding a public consultation on possible improvements to the Montagu Road Play Area.

Held between 10am to 12noon on Saturday, December 15, at the play area, town councillors want to get residents’ views on the conceptual drawings being provided for upgrades to the play equipment on Montagu Road.

South Hams District Council has a capital budget of £520,000 for the improvement of its play areas between 2018-2021. Across the district around 25 play areas are ageing, have limited play value and are of poor quality.

Some of Kingsbridge’s play areas fall into this category and Kingsbridge Town Council’s adopted Open Space, Sport and Recreation Plan, which is available on their website: www.kingsbridge.gov.uk, identifies total refits of children’s play spaces at Duncombe Park, Homelands, Montagu Road and Trebblepark alongside either replacement ramps/new roofing at the Skatepark or its relocation elsewhere to a new site.

However, Kingsbridge’s share of this funding will not come anywhere close to actioning all these projects, so some tough decisions must be made. That said, KTC does have reserves allocated for play equipment refits, accumulated over several years, and therefore it can contribute.

Members of KTC’s Parks and Open Spaces Committee have met with SHDC’s team and their recommendations have been supported by the town council. It is proposed to prioritise new play equipment, including surfacing, for Duncombe Park’s children’s play area and Montagu Road play area.

This will mean that Homelands, from which the play equipment has already been removed, will not be refitted and is effectively withdrawn as a play area. Moreover, there will be no immediate improvements considered for Trebblepark play area.

So an improved Montagu Road play area will need to service a wider area of the town to the west of the Cookworthy Road/A379.

A total refit of Duncombe Park children’s play area could cost in the region of £30k-£35k; SHDC may fund £25k with KTC to make up the balance. Likewise, a total refit of Montagu Road play area is identified at £35k-£50k dependent upon design; SHDC may fund £30k and again KTC to make up the balance.

In summary, proposed refits at Duncombe Park and Montagu Road are likely to cost in the region of £65,000 to £85,000, with potential SHDC funding at £55,000 and KTC to make up said balance in the region of £10,000 to £30,000.

Overall costs may be reduced if a Kingsbridge play areas tender was managed by SHDC alongside other towns and villages.

Martin Johnson, town clerk, said: “Come and join us for hot chocolate and mince pies! On Saturday morning, December 15, the parks committee will set up a couple of gazebos at Montagu Road play area.

“A play space provider has supplied KTC with some conceptual drawings which will illustrate what could be achieved on site. The aim is to develop a playground which is safe, fun and socially inclusive. We want it to stimulate children’s social and physical development.

“What experiences do children want: balancing, rocking, sliding, climbing, swinging? Should the play area be divided into spaces to support different types of play e.g. to include a teenager/adult outdoor fitness zone? What activities will stimulate the user’s experiences and competencies e.g. a sand pit? What other opportunities are there for this bright and open space?

“In summary, your town councillors are looking for the best solution for a Montagu Road play area improvement project and wish to chat to you and capture your thoughts on a brief questionnaire.

“If it’s cold and damp, just wrap up, because we really do need you to share your opinions with us. Festive refreshments will be available! Thanks ever so much – we look forward to seeing you.”