Ashford Borough Council (ABC) reveals £77,000 upgrades to Rectory Way play area behind Cineworld in Kennington

A children's play park overlooking a town cinema has been overhauled in a move which has seen it "revitalised".

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has carried out several improvements to the one-acre Rectory Way play area in Kennington.

Already boasting swings and climbing equipment, it has now seen the addition of multiple new benches, a roundabout and more general play facilities for users.

Existing equipment has remained at the park and pathways dividing the area have also been removed.

Funding for the almost £80,000 scheme, which was announced in December, has come via Section 106 (S106) contributions.

This is an agreement made between local authorities and developers attached to planning permissions to provide community facilities and infrastructure as mitigation for the impact of a development.

A spokesperson for ABC said: "The new play equipment, which compliments some of the pre-existing play equipment, has now been installed and the new design has been guided by the natural landscape.

"Residents are encouraged to go and see the new play area and enjoy the rejuvenated community space.

"We will also be undertaking some smaller works in the coming months which include resurfacing the remaining play equipment with some painting to make the entire space feel vibrant."

The local authority adds the makeover has allowed the area to be "revitalised".

The council’s portfolio holder for parks and recreation, Cllr Kate Walder (Green), said: “As a council, we continuously look at how we can improve our play and open space facilities in the borough to help young people’s development but also ensure the facilities on offer are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

“I am pleased that so many residents will benefit from these updates and enhancements to their local area for many years to come.”

ABC will also be undertaking a further £100,000 worth of repairs across Westhawk Farm play park in Kingsnorth, School Road play area in Hothfield and Tenterden's Henley Meadow.

It says these repairs are being carried out "to maintain high-quality play facilities in the area".