TWO children's playgrounds in Benfleet and Canvey are set to receive a £200,000 revamp.

A consultation is being carried out by Castle Point Council so residents can help decide what type of play equipment they would like to see installed in the play areas.

It is hoped the favoured designs can be put in place at South Benfleet Playing Fields, off Brook Road, and at Leigh Beck Recreation Ground, off Park Lane, before the end of the year.

Residents can view the designs at the council's offices, in Kiln Road, Thundersley, until Friday, August 24. There, you can select your favourite slides, swings and climbing frames.

Councillors have pledged to take voting into account when making their final designs for the revamp of the play areas.

Ray Howard, chairman of the council's environment committee, said: "There are some fantastic playgrounds to choose from.

"I would urge families and residents to come along and see the choices for themselves - their views are important to us."

The refurbishment of the two playgrounds forms part of a wider strategy, which will see all the borough's playgrounds improved over the next five years.

The council has been able to press ahead with the first two sites after securing a £100,000 grant from Veolia Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.

This grant was matched by £100,000 from the council's own funds.

Mr Howard, who is a member of the trust, added: "A lot of the equipment is coming to the end of its life.

"Mothers with young children want these new facilities."

The council has also consulted on the designs through the Schools Forum, which has representatives from all the borough's schools.

The designs can be viewed on the council's website by logging on to www.castlepoint.gov.uk