A DUDLEY park is set to benefit from a brand new playground for youngsters to enjoy after lockdown, thanks to £50,000 of funding.

A new playground will be installed at Green Park following a long running campaign by the Friends of the park and ward councillors to improve facilities for youngsters.

Although the park is popular for the youth football teams that usually train at weekends, the park does not have a play area.

Plans are being drawn up now and it is hoped the play area will be ready later in the year for families to enjoy after lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Councillor Shaukat Ali, who represents St Thomas' Ward, said he was "absolutely delighted" that the project was given the green light.

He said: "It's been a long time coming but we are absolutely delighted we have been able to raise £50,000. It was a facility that was missing. We can now see light at the end of the tunnel and we can't wait for it to be installed for the children."

The original budget was £42,000 but the Friends group managed to secure an extra £8,000 from the Castle and Priory, St James’s and St Thomas Community Forum.

Rosslynne Lewis, chair of the Friends of Green Park, said: "We’re delighted to have been able to work with the council on securing this significant investment in the park.

"It’s such a beautiful, popular park, and we’re sure this new play equipment will be enjoyed by families for years to come."

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member responsible for parks, said: "This is a brilliant piece of news and something I am sure will be welcomed by children and families after the few months they have had staying at home.

"Hopefully, by the time the government eases the restrictions on staying at home and social interaction, this new play equipment will be installed and families can start enjoying the park properly.

"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work with the dedicated Friends of Green Park group who managed to secure extra funding for the play equipment."