YOUNGSTERS could soon benefit from a new £140,000 play area.

East Bridgford Parish Council has submitted plans for a play area with skate ramps and equipment including a sand pit, swings, tunnels, wooden bridges and a zip-line.

It would be built on the site of the existing play area in Butts Field and be suitable for children up to 16 years old.

The project began three years ago as most of the equipment in the current play area was either old and decaying or had been removed completely.

Clare van Loenen, chairman of the Park Renewal Group, which has been leading the project , said: "The play park was in desperate need of a new lease of life. We had a good think about it as young people play differently these days.

"It's a beautiful setting and hopefully as the children grow up through the village they will have something to do at each stage."

The play area would be divided into three age-related areas: a toddler play area next to the pre-school for children up to three years old, a junior area for three to 11-year-olds and a skate and bike adventure area for everyone over 11.

Ms Van Loenen said there would be space for families to sit and have picnics within the play area.

Waste Recycling Environmental Limited has awarded a £48,374 grant to the scheme, the Big Lottery Community Spaces fund donated £49,108 and £45,339 came from The Veolia Environmental Trust.

A consultation period with neighbours ends tomorrow.

If the plans are given the green light it is hoped the play area will be opened at the Village Show on June 27.

Over in Keyworth plans for a "teen park" are in their early stages.

The project is part of a Village Plan which aims to spell out residents' views on the future of Keyworth.

Villagers spent two years putting their plan together after a survey asked what issues were important to them.

Residents said there was not enough for teenagers to do in the village.

Now the plan's Young People Forum is hunting for a suitable site to make the teen park a reality.

tanya.holden@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk