CHILDREN in Long Hanborough were delighted to put a play area to the test after it was reopened with a new look.

The Hanborough Play Park, which has recently undergone a complete transformation, was opened again on Monday, November 13.

It is now larger than it was before and boasts a range of new equipment at a location alongside the village’s skate park.

The renovation was achieved by the Hanborough Park Initiative volunteers, who raised more than £100,000, including a £20,000 Community Facilities grant from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Jeanette Baker, the cabinet member for leisure at West Oxfordshire District Council, was thrilled to support the community in Long Hanborough for their fundraising work for the park, which was constructed by Sutcliffe Play.

She said: “We are pleased to support the local community and congratulate them on such a fantastic fundraising effort.

“It’s good to see children of all abilities enjoying healthy outdoor exercise and being with their families and friends.”

As well as the West Oxfordshire District Council grant, funding support came from WREN, Cottsway Housing, Long Hanborough Parish Council, Green Square, Tesco, Pye Homes, Witney Lions Club, Cornerstone Coffee House (Methodist Church) and Oxford Citizens HO.

The previous play park was last refurbished in 2000 and a recent inspection showed that it was no longer adequate with many items of equipment deteriorating and in need of repair.

The park was constructed by Sutcliffe Play.

The work in Long Hanborough follows the recent opening of a new play area in Witney thanks to community fundraising.

Oxlease Play Area, which was made possible thanks top funding from WREN, Cottsway, Witney Lions and more, was opened by the town’s mayor Chris Woodward at the end of October.