WORK on a new play space for the children of Ilminster got underway this week.

The town’s mayor Julie Fowler joined leader of South Somerset District Council and fellow Ilminster resident Val Keitch to launch the project in Greenfylde Close.

The play area is a requirement of the planning permission for the housing development on Canal Way by Persimmon Homes and is 100 per cent funded by the housing developer.

South Somerset District Council has taken ownership of the site and is creating a play area that will include a large castle, climbing frame and agility trail.

A public consultation was carried out last October and helped inform the final design.

A council spokesman said: “There is lots of themed play equipment in the design to help inspire lots of imaginative play that encourages children to play for longer and to have a fun and joyful experience.”

Val Keitch, leader of SSDC and ward member for Ilminster, said: “I’m delighted to see the work started on the play area, this has been going on for a while and it will provide a much-needed amenity to the people on this development and the children of this area.”

The new facility is also set to include a basket swing, a spring see-saw, a toddler palace and a cycle rack.

Construction of the play area will be carried out by local Somerset company Play UK (Playgrounds) Ltd in two phases.

Work on the first phase is set to be completed soon, with the main castle equipment installed in the summer.