Work to install new play equipment and a multi-use games area in Leek's Brough Park is in full swing - with facilities set to be open in time for the longer, warmer days to come.

The project was given the green-light last year following approval by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for wide-ranging improvements to the Park.

Specialists Kompan Ltd were appointed to supply and install the new play equipment after winning 47% of the vote following a public consultation exercise last September.

Councillor Mark Deaville, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sports, said: "We're making fantastic progress with the installation of the new play area. The Kompan team have pulled out all the stops and worked hard over the past few weeks to make such good progress.

"It's looking really great and I know people will enjoy spending time with their families and friends here as the Covid restrictions gradually ease over the spring and summer and for many, many more years to come.

"Being outdoors and moving more is so beneficial for both our mental and physical health - something that has taken on even greater importance over the last year - and by investing in fun, exciting amenities such as this we're delivering on our commitment to provide as many different opportunities for people of all ages to be more active as possible. I look forward to these facilities opening soon."

With most of the new play equipment now installed the focus is now on the safety surfacing, perimeter fencing and the multi-use games area. To enable this work to take place, the basket swing has been removed.

Councillor Deaville added: "We're storing this swing safely and will be using at another site in the Moorlands. We're sorry if this is one of your favourite pieces of play equipment - but there's not much longer to wait now until the new play area will be open with plenty of exciting things to explore."

The new play area is the next phase of improvements to the park following the installation of the skate park. It means there are some changes to the layout with the new, bigger play area being located on the site previously occupied by the three tennis courts. The new toddler and junior play area takes up two of the courts and the brand-new games area is being installed on the third creating an 'activity zone' with the skate park.

As part of the wider investment in the park, the old multi-use games area will revert back to a tennis court and be refurbished along with the remaining court.