THOUSANDS of pounds are to be spent upgrading a play area at a Portishead beauty spot. North Somerset Council is planning to spend £40,000 on revamping the play area at the Lake Grounds. Included in the plan is to extend fencing between the cafe and boath

THOUSANDS of pounds are to be spent upgrading a play area at a Portishead beauty spot.North Somerset Council is planning to spend £40,000 on revamping the play area at the Lake Grounds. Included in the plan is to extend fencing between the cafe and boathouse to make the area dog free and upgrade the play area.The area will be split into two to provide play facilities for toddlers in the lower area and more equipment, possibly including an aerial runway for teenagers in the upper section.In the lower section the cradle swings and roundabout will be retained along with the ship style climbing frame. New toddler swings will also be installed as well as a slide and sprung items for the youngsters to ride on.There will also be a sandpit and picnic benches for both parents and children.In the upper area a range of equipment for teenagers is being proposed including a swing, aerial equipment and a roundabout.New drainage and pathways will also be installed as part of the project.Other equipment will be added to both the toddler and teen areas as funds allow and a bid for £25,000 has already been submitted to Yanley and North Somerset Environmental Company (YANSEC) towards the project.Portishead Town Council will also be asked to consider earmark funding.The proposals will be discussed at a meeting of Portishead and North Weston recreation and works committee tonight (Wed).Portishead councillor Jon Gething, who has been working on the plans with North Somerset Council, said: "At the moment there is no real equipment for children in their teens."The first phase of work will be mainly on the younger children's area, but in the future there are proposals to provide something for the older age group children."The Lake Grounds is the centre of play for young people and it is only right that money should be spent on upgrading the facilities."The news of the upgrade of play facilities comes just days after it was revealed the Lake Grounds is being considered as a site for a new skateboard park in the town.