RESIDENTS living in the Brookvale and King’s Furlong area will see changes to the play facilities in the ward.

Three of the play areas in the area have been allocated funding by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The funding was secured after ward councillors Michael Westbrook and Jack Cousens applied for Local Infrastructure Fund grants to help improve the area.

A total of £236,000 was granted with £176,200 of that money being earmarked for the play areas in Cordale Road and Culver Road, while Goodman Close play area is set to benefit from improvements worth £60,500.

Now, residents are being asked to give feedback as to what equipment they would like to see featured in these play areas.

Assessments of the play areas were carried out in February 2017 and June 2018, which found that all three would benefit from more for both toddlers and older children to do.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Cllr Simon Bound, said: “We want to hear from local residents about what improvements they would like to see. Good quality play can make a real difference to communities, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for children and providing a place where new friendships can form.

“The redevelopment of these play areas will enhance the area of Brookvale and Kings Furlong and will benefit thousands of residents. Please help shape these play areas by letting us know your views.”

In the application for funding, Cllr Westbrook stated that it was felt as through some of the equipment should be updated or replaced, and that increasing the size of the play areas would be beneficial in some cases.

At the time of the application Cllr Westbrook said: “We had spoken to families who said that these were facilities which we should be looking at to improve as throughout the ward we have young families who want to take advantage of a good quality play area.”

Residents are being asked to give their views through a short online questionnaire by December 7 by visiting basingstoke.gov.uk/Brookvale-and-Kings-Furlong-play-areas.