Work has begun on the major refurbishment of the play park at Decoy Country Park which will see the popular facility closed for several weeks.

The play park in Newton Abbot is being given a revamp with new equipment which will provide ‘excitement, fun, movement and adventure’ for youngsters of all ages.

The six-figure sum spent by Teignbridge Council refurbishing the three play zones at Decoy Country Park is funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 funds gained through the planning process, and work was initial slated to take place in 2020 but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the scheme is to ensure the provision of an updated exciting facility which maintains Decoy Park as a popular outdoor attraction, and will include a junior area, a toddler area, and an adventure area, as well as a new 5.4m high timber tree house to replace the existing 5.62m high castle unit.

Workmen last week began the process of removing the existing play equipment, with fencing erected around the area to restrict access while the renovations take place.

The play park will be closed for approximately eight weeks, the council has said, adding that there will be a reduction in the number of car parking spaces as work takes place, but that the kiosk remains available for refreshments, as does the rest of the award-winning country park.