​A new play park will be built in Winchcombe after the town council secured a £35,000 grant.

The children’s area at King George’s Field is one of 22 across the county that successfully bid for part of the £1.1 million government Playbuilder Grant.

Councillor Ron Harrison said the grant would be used to build a better play area for children aged between eight and 13.

The money will be available in April and the town council has to spend it by March 2011.

Mr Harrison asked volunteers to come forward to set up a working group to plan the park. Parents, schools and youth groups in Winchcombe will be consulted on the design.

Mr Harrison said: “This £35,000 is not a limit – we can add to it. The important thing is we get something that the community wants. It is really exciting.”

Work is also needed to improve the pedestrian access and, as the play park is in a conservation area, the town council will work with Tewkesbury Borough Council to make sure the design is right.

Councillor Jim Mason suggested a playground made of natural materials.

“Because of the location, a natural play area might be better than what we have there at the moment,” he said.

Mr Harrison said he was impressed with Broadway’s new playground, which cost around £300,000.

He said the council had not yet had a chance to discuss what items would be in the play area.

Councillor Carol Ward said after the meeting: “It will be great to have something for the older children, at the moment the play park is only for children up to about the age of six.”

Town council chairman Kevin Willett said the news was fantastic. He said: “It needs regeneration because it is a bit drab and a bit of a shame.”

The town council was awarded funds for a £1.2m all-weather sports pitch in November and was given half the cost by the Football Foundation. Mr Willett said: “This is the second piece of good news – we have never had this before in the town. It is really exciting and something to look forward to.” Other sites that have been granted the money include Springfield Park in Cheltenham, Lechlade, Nailsworth and Gotherington. The county council was awarded £1.1m from the Government to improve play areas in the county.