Coventry City Council has spent £16,000 on new play equipment for children living in Spon End, after their old equipment was burnt to the ground in September last year.

The new equipment, which includes a den and castle, crazy daisy, barbers pole and a see-saw, has proved very popular with the children on the estate and over Easter the play area was packed every day.

To try and stop vandalism and prevent anyone setting fire to the new equipment in the future, a brand new type of playing surface has been used. Made out of a new kind of nylon carpet – a bit like astro turf – it is filled with sand to keep it flat and soft, but most importantly the sand makes it fire resistant.

Sherbourne Ward Councillor, Pat Walsh said,

"I’m delighted that children have got a new play area after the old slides and swings were destroyed back in September last year. They are obviously having a great time playing on the new equipment which was chosen very carefully to provide a safe but stimulating environment."

The new play equipment was paid for by City Development Directorate out of £90,000 which has been set aside to address poverty, access and safety issues in Spon End and Radford.

Secretary of the local residents association, Sarah Ferguson, who herself has four children said,

"We are all delighted that the city Council moved so quickly to provide the estate with new play equipment. The play area is at the centre of our community and is used day in and day out. Children love the new equipment and parents love it too because they know that their children are playing in safety – well away from traffic."