RESIDENTS, community representatives and project partners joined Thurrock Council to celebrate the opening of an upgraded play area in Anchor Fields, Tilbury.

The works, funded by the Tilbury Towns Fund began in April, after a consultation with residents which received an extensive amount of responses.

Thurrock Council then worked with playground suppliers - KOMPAN, to deliver improvements requested by residents, including the installation of accessible play equipment - designed to provide more opportunities for children of all ages to play, explore and stay active.

Works include:

• Improvements to some existing equipment
• Inclusive swings and roundabout
• Climbing structures and balance equipment
• Slides, rope climbers and agility features
• Sensory and low-level play elements
• Equipment designed to support a wide age range, from toddlers to older children

The upgraded facilities have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from residents, with many praising the new equipment and the enhanced environment.

Local resident Phoebe said: "The play area is much better. There is more equipment for my daughter and she loves it. After our sessions at the Family Hub, we just come out to the park so it's nice and easy."

Lesa Phillip, Tilbury Family Hub Manager, said: "The improvements to the playground have been amazing for our local families. Loads of families have been using it from the day it opened and it's a great way for families to find out about the services available at the Hub."

Steve Elliot, Area Sales Manager (South UK) at KOMPAN, said: "Working closely with the council team, we redesigned the play space to create a modern, engaging environment while making the most of the existing assets. Usable equipment was retained where appropriate, with outdated items replaced by some of KOMPAN's most popular and inclusive play products.

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"The scheme provides dedicated toddler and junior play areas, ensuring children of different ages have opportunities to play and develop. An existing mound within the site was incorporated into the design, creating a fantastic feature with the addition of a new slide, while the play experience was further enhanced through the installation of new Wetpour safety surfacing throughout the site.

"Seeing the play area officially opened and so well used by local families, was incredibly rewarding and a testament to the success of the scheme."