A COMMUNITY centre and library could be moved as part of a major scheme to revamp a neglected park.

Basildon Council has announced it has set aside £50,000 on Nevendon Park, in Nevendon Road, Wickford, in its budget for the current financial year.

Tory council leader Phil Turner has not ruled out moving the town’s community centre and library, in Market Road, to Nevendon Park as a future part of the improvement project.

Parents and councillors have welcomed the funding, having lobbied the council for money to improve the park.

Mum-of-two Pam Dennehy, 38, of Melville Avenue, visits the park with her sons.

She added: “The play equipment and the park is very old and tired.

“I would like to see some kind of outdoor adventure play equipment perhaps something with climbing walls, bridges and climbing ropes.

“What that park needs is some colourful, large play equipment that lots of children can enjoy at once and something that will keep them entertained.”

Mrs Dennehy added that she thinks more people would take their children to the park if it was improved and made better for the community.

The possibility of the community centre and library being moved to the park has been welcomed by Don Morris, Tory councillor for Wickford Castledon.

He said: “This has been going on for a long time and I think it’s great news that the council is finally going to spend money on the park.

“Residents and children will benefit from the revamp.

“It is important that the new community centre at the park is just right for the users of the centre and the area as a whole.”

In January, the Echo reported how Wickford Independents councillor Alan Ball was campaigning for improvements to the park after being contacted by concerned parents.

Mr Ball said: “Parents have told me they would like to see updated play equipment.

“Residents also want some soft flooring around the play area so the ground is not too hard if children fall over while playing at the park.

“I am pleased with this latest development as I did know there was money available but I had no idea how much and when the work would be taking place.”

Council leader Mr Turner said investment in Wickford is a priority for his administration

He added: “We are encouraging residents to come forward and suggest what they would like in the park as part of the improvement work.

“The project is still at early stages and there are no exact concrete plans.

“There are opportunities in Wickford to move the community centre and library but nothing has been decided.”