WORK on creating a £45,000 play area in Batchley will begin next March following a huge consultation exercise with residents and school children.

The move is part of Redditch Council's play area review, which is aiming to scrap more than 140 playgrounds, leaving just 55 across the town.

And the youngsters themselves have been asked to come up with ideas on what equipment could go in the play area next to Batchley pond.

The new playground, which will include a helter skelter, will replace the old but well-used play area on the estate and will be aimed at under 12s.

Redditch Council area manager Guy Revans said: It is going to be really good and something the people of Batchley have wanted for a long time.

Funding for the project, which will be completed in May, has come from the developers of the Brockhill housing estate following an agreement with the council.

Mr Revans said: We are also in the consultation process to create a play area in Webheath which will be aimed at toddlers.

We are hoping to improve all of the remaining play areas and get them all up to the same standard.

Community safety officer Phil Bryers said: The whole area will be enclosed with a safe play surface.

This is just part of an on-going project in the area, which includes the improvement of the pool.