Over 20 play parks in Belfast are to undergo refurbishment works following a £1.8 million investment from Belfast City Council.

In total 21 parks across the city will be updated with refurbishment expected to begin in seven parks later this year. A further nine will undergo revamps in 2016-17, with further works scheduled for another five sites.

The funding includes over £650,000 being spent in parks newly integrated into Belfast as part of local government reform. This includes refurbishments at Brooke; Areema; Mount Eagles; Roddens Crescent and a new playground in Poleglass.

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Councillor Declan Boyle said: "Belfast City Councilchas promised that its Investment Programme, which is funding this refurbishment of play parks, would be used to provide better facilities within communities.

"Play parks are an important resource in all communities – they are vital not just to provide safe play space for children, but to challenge them, boost physical health and provide them with opportunities to socialise.

"Parks are assessed each year against strict criteria and are earmarked for refurbishment as part of a rolling programme."

(CD/MH)