A CHILDREN’S play area needs to be revamped to bring it in line with the rest of a popular park, a councillor claims.

Peter Holliman, councillor for the Wickford North ward, is hoping to kickstart his improvement plans by gathering ideas from families and visitors on what they would like to see in the town’s Memorial Park.

With refurbishment of the sports pavilion almost complete, and plans in the pipeline for a new cafe, visitor facilities and improved changing rooms, he now wants to bring the rest of the park “up to scratch.”

Mr Holliman believes Basildon Council should not focus its attentions on the children’s play area and mini-golf course.

He said: “In Memorial Park the pavilion work is getting close to completion.

“It’s going to be the centrepiece of the park but the thing that lets it down is the children’s play area.

“I’ve spoken to users of the park and we are concerned about the condition of the play area and really want to take it forward and make it more impressive.

“I’m told a lot of people use that area of the park as it is right in front of Rainbow Pre-school.

“We would like to make it a bit of a showpiece if we can.”

Mr Holliman has approached the council with his proposal. Although he is still waiting to hear if the project may go ahead, he is feeling positive.

He said: “I have had a few positive responses so far, the idea hasn’t been knocked down.

“It would be quite a bit of money to do but I have had primary talks with people in the council who seem to be favourable of the idea.”

He now wants to hear from park users what they would like to see in the park should the project get the go ahead.

He said: “I have a few ideas but want to get ideas from people who actually use the park.”

Contact him on peter.holliman@members.basildon.gov.uk