Work has started on the transformation of a new £35,000 play area in Carlisle.

The work at Milbourne Street, Denton Holme, is expected to last about four months and began this week with the removal of the old equipment.

Youngsters from Robert Ferguson Primary School and Denton Holme Community Association Environmental Group were consulted on the proposals to upgrade the play area. 

The new equipment includes a slide, see saw, climbing frame and bay swings - accessible for children with disabilities.

Councillor Elsie Martlew, deputy leader of Carlisle City Council, said: "We’d like to thank everyone involved in putting this scheme together. 

"Our Green Spaces team have worked in partnership with funding partners, ward councillors and the community to deliver this new play area. 

"The views of the local residents has determined what equipment will be installed. 

"More investment is planned for other play areas within the city."

Denton Holme councillor Joan Southward said: "The feeling was that some of the equipment was unsafe and outdated and that it needed upgrading.

"It's nice to do something for the children and to see they have somewhere to play."

Money for the new scheme has come from a landfill tax grant of £25,000 from Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust and £2,500 from Cumbria County Council with the balance from the city council’s Play Areas budget.

The council came under fire in 2014 when it stripped city parks of play equipment to save cash.

The council said then that it had 69 play areas, 21 of which were identified as having poor equipment and were underused.

The authority said the removal of the play equipment would save at least £25,000 and potentially up to £400,000 in maintenance and equipment renewal costs.

The chosen supplier for the new equipment is Kompan Scotland Ltd.