SUNNY weather has prompted the start of a £140,000 programme to remove 148 old or dangerous play areas across the town.

The first phase of the schedule began this week starting in Winyates, Matchborough, Webheath and other old parts of Redditch.

It will take eight weeks to complete the first stage before the second phase, including Church Hill and Oakenshaw, begins.

Meanwhile, plans to create seven new and improved play areas around Redditch at a cost of £250,000 are being finalised.

Redditch Council's area manager Guy Revans said: "We have started specifications on the new play areas which will be installed over the next few months."