Basildon youngsters can enjoy a new play area after works have been completed in Holy Cross Park in the borough's "biggest transformation yet".

The existing play area was first installed more than thirty years ago, with some equipment added in the years since.

The new play area is a complete upgrade, increasing the amount of equipment on the site and catering for all ages and abilities.

The selected design was chosen by residents in August, and it features an exciting array of equipment including a zipwire, an inclusive trampoline, and a variety of swings.

It's opening precedes brand-new play areas at Lake Meadows and Northlands Park which will both open at the end of February and early March.

Echo: The Holy Cross Park play area designThe Holy Cross Park play area design (Image: Basildon Council)

Jeff Henry, councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts, and culture, said: "This is probably our biggest play area transformation yet - we have improved the play offering significantly to make best use of the site.

"The variety of equipment in the play area means local children will be spoilt for choice. I'm really pleased it's now open - Holy Cross is a well-utilised park so this new play area will only make it even better for its many visitors."

The new play area comes as part of the council's Play Review, a ten-year programme of about £9 million investment in the borough's play areas, to create a network of high-quality play facilities for residents across Basildon.