PARKS in Grappenhall and Thelwall will be refurbished this May after the parish council successfully bid for large cash grants.

The play areas at Jubilee Park on Euclid Avenue in Grappenhall and Diamond Park on Barley Road in Thelwall will be completely refurbished with an exciting range of new play equipment.

The grants have been awarded to Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council for new play facilities.

Recycling giant Wren has given a grant of £43,131 for Diamond Park and £49,710.00 for Jubilee Park. Additional funds will also be provided by the parish council to complete the projects.

The grant will be used to replace old play equipment and provide new play surfaces and benches which will result in more modern and vibrant facilities.

Work is expected to take two to three weeks for each park. Residents had been calling for improvements following the removal of a number of old pieces which were in poor condition and no longer safe for use.

Cllr Elaine Welborn, chairman of the parish council, said ‘It is wonderful that Wren can make funds like this available to communities and we are thrilled that both of our projects have been selected.

"We are looking forward to delivering two great new play areas within the next couple of months. This will really help to encourage children to go out and get some fresh air and exercise."

Richard Smith, Wren’s grant manager for Halton and Warrington, said: "Wren is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to communities, children and families.

"The Diamond and Jubilee Park projects will provide fantastic spaces for local people to get outdoors and have some fun. We’re delighted to support Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council to make this happen and look forward to the completion of the projects in May."