A FAMILY-FRIENDLY pub in Bleadon has spent more than £30,000 repairing its children’s play area after it was severely flooded last year.

Weston Mercury: Westons MP John Penrose with children official opening the new Play area.Westons MP John Penrose with children official opening the new Play area. (Image: Archant)

Play equipment at Catherine’s Inn was submerged under a foot of water in late November as widespread flooding hit the South West.

Manager Steve Hughes said the play area was completely ruined and had to be completely stripped on health and safety grounds, costing about £33,000.

He said: “The play area is about a foot-and-a-half lower than the rest of the pub and the water table rose so much that water came up through the floor.

“We were going to replace it anyway at the back end of March but because it was water damaged, it couldn’t be used.”

The play area, equipped with slides, rollers and a climbing wall, was opened on Saturday morning, with Weston MP John Penrose joining 25 excitable young children in having a good look at the new facility.