Works to refurbish Chelmsford park are now complete and ready for public use.

The play area at the Orange Tree Close Park, Chelmsford has benefitted from an investment of £72,000.

Chelmsford City Council donated £62,000 and the other £10,000 came from Essex County Council's Short Breaks scheme.

The need for works at the park site was brought to the attention of the City Council, in November last year, by local resident, Andy Southwood.

He contacted the City Council on behalf of his community to seek improvements to the existing play area and was instrumental in getting the project off the ground.

Andy Southwood said: "I contacted Chelmsford City Council and later met with councillors who were very helpful. The park was no longer fit for purpose, but I am really pleased that the council has brought forward planned investment to an area which will undoubtedly be used by local families and again enjoyed once the park re-opens."

A total of 540 tons of soil was removed from the site to create a split-level play facility and during the excavation process the City Council discovered the remains of an old building, broken pottery, a clay pipe and about £2.32 in change.

The site is now designed for up to 63 users at any one time with 10 new items of play equipment installed at the site. The safety surface covers 490 square metres.

"The new play area is fully accessible and inclusive meaning youngsters of different ages and abilities can play together.

The winning design was chosen by residents during a public consultation involving over 100 people.

Councillor Bob Massey, Cabinet Member for Parks said: "I am so pleased to announce the reopening of Orange Tree Close Park.

"Thanks go to Andy Southwood for contacting the council and I am sure this park will be well used by the local community."