Further details have been revealed about a £1m development in outdoor play facilities for children living on the Ards peninsula.

Ards Borough Council has said the new initiative is designed to revamp the area's play parks over the next year.

In a decision which follows a strategic assessment of existing play provision, the council has agreed to spend up to £990,000 creating new play areas and extending and revamping existing sites across the Ards.

Londonderry Park in Newtownards is to become a 'signature' playground, containing a large scale play park with completely new equipment and a dedicated ball game area. A further seven substantial play areas will be created, while another eight smaller, existing sites are earmarked for refurbishment to modern standards.

Alderman Margaret Craig, Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Sub-Committee and 'Champion of Play' is delighted that the results of an extensive review project carried out on behalf of the Council by PlayBoard, Northern Ireland's play charity.

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She said: "Ards currently has 39 play parks, which, in comparison to many other areas, is a significant number.

"This new plan means that our children are going to benefit from play areas that are in the best locations, with the most up-to-date equipment and I look forward to seeing work begin."

As well as the large scale development at Londonderry Park, a number of other significant schemes will be undertaken.

At the Village Hall in Ballygowan the existing play area is to be removed, with the exception of recently installed swings, and new equipment will be installed.

Lower Crescent, Comber is to be revamped and some new equipment added.

The Commons, Donaghadee is to have new equipment, including provision for toddlers.

Windy Ridge in Ballywalter which is to be completely replaced with new equipment.

Donaghadee Road in Newtownards has been identified as a potential site for a new play area, filling a gap on the east side of Newtownards where no play areas are currently sited.

Part of the process will include consultation with groups of local children as well as community representatives about the location of play areas as well as the kind of equipment which new play areas should include.

Portavogie recently celebrate the opening of a new play park in the village under the council's scheme.

(PR/JM)