A PARK in Nuthall has reopened following a £60,000 revamp.

The new-look Basil Russell Park was reopened last week after the play area, pathways and toilets had been given a facelift.

The park, in Maple Drive, is regularly used by sports teams such as Nuthall AFC and Nuthall FC. It also offers facilities for bowls and cricket.

The refurbishment of play facilities, which took six months to complete, included putting in four swings, a slide and four board game-style apparatus.

It was paid for through Notts County Council's Local Improvement Scheme, a £4 million fund, from which communities can bid for cash for renovations to facilities in the county.

Philip Owen, who represents Nuthall on the county council, said he was glad the park had been given a makeover as the old park looked neglected.

He said he supported the application and he was pleased the new facilities had gone down well with residents in the village.

"This is the only park for Nuthall, so it is important it offers well maintained facilities and is used by the whole community, he said.

"The new bright and colourful equipment will attract younger children and residents' complaints have been addressed relating to the toilet facilities."

Grenville Green, of Cedarland Crescent, said: "I think what they have done is very nice and the park looks smart.

"But it's one of those things that you blink and you would miss the entrance, so it seems a shame to spend all that money for something that is a bit hidden away."

Richard Butler, head of the Local Improvement Scheme funding panel and cabinet member for environment and sustainability at the county council, said he was happy with the response to the refurbishment.

He said: "This project epitomises the ethos of the Local Improvement Scheme, as it is a much needed facility for the people of Nuthall and will be used by families, schools and local clubs and societies."

Meanwhile, work is expected to begin in the coming weeks on a £45,000 project to improve play equipment at Knowle Park in Swingate, Kimberley.