NEW outdoor equipment and running tracks have been showcased at Tilbury's Daisy Field (originally created as the King George's Field) during a special launch event today (Friday, 4 June).

Representatives from Tilbury Towns Fund Board and Thurrock Council, including leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, attended the event. The new outdoor gym, Parkour equipment and running tracks, aimed to help people get active, were also opened up for residents.

Works to boost various projects in Tilbury took place earlier this year, thanks to fast-tracked funding of £500,000 provided by the Tilbury Towns Fund Board under the government's £3.6billion Towns Fund scheme.

This contribution, which was divided between multiple projects including Tilbury Youth Centre, additional walking routes and demolition of the old fire station that will be the site of the new Tilbury Integrated Medical Centre, is part a multi-million pound facelift for the town using cash provided by the government.

Chair of Tilbury Towns Fund Board, Peter Ward, said: "The board has been working with the local community for over 12 months to ensure we deliver the right projects for the residents who live and work in Tilbury.

"Sports including cricket, Street Tag and multi-sports have been funded by the Towns Fund and will be delivered by Essex Cricket Club in partnership with the council's Active Parks Team. This team is also working with Parkrun UK to start a junior Parkrun, which will initially be organised as a regular running session, at Daisy Field and take advantage of the new 1km route that the board's cash injection has created.

"This transformational project is just one of many that we will deliver. We will continue to progress Tilbury's regeneration and celebrate its community and rich heritage."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Thurrock Council portfolio holder for regeneration and member of Tilbury Towns Fund Board, said: "I'm delighted to see first-hand how Daisy Field in Tilbury has benefited from the cash injection. Tilbury continues to play an important role in Thurrock, and its regeneration will ensure residents will have a great place to work, live and play."

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, cabinet member for environment, said: "It's fantastic that Daisy Field has been able to benefit. These works have only just been completed, and will enable residents of all ages to enhance their health and wellbeing.

"Thank you to the Tilbury Towns Fund Board for making this happen."

To find out more about the proposals to transform Tilbury and to provide feedback on future plans visit the Tilbury Towns Fund Board website.

Among its proposals for the area are:

• a new youth facility to be delivered with OnSide who are transforming youth services across the country

• [.B]investment in the riverside[.B] to restore the beach and invest in a new passenger jetty and a clipper service into London

• celebrating Tilbury's history: improve connection to Tilbury Fort by replacing the moat bridge

• enhanced community facilities at Civic Square with more investment in community facilities to make it the beating heart of Tilbury town

• [.B]revamping the train station [.B]through improvements to the streetscape to make it more welcoming as passengers alight at both sides of Tilbury Station

• more activity in parks to enhance the green spaces for all ages