A public consultation process has been announced by Newent Town Council over new play facilities at the Recreation Ground and the Lakeside.

There will be a major public display at Newent Library detailing plans to spend £70,000 to enhance both sites by next spring.

Town councillor Peter Street, who is co-ordinating the project for the council, said the display would be imminent and he gave further details about the biggest improvement of playground facilities in Newent in recent years.

He added that he hoped that both sites could be completed in this financial year.

The first stage of enhancements is likely to take place at the Recreation Ground off Watery Lane.

Coun Street identified a three-phase improvement programme.

He said: "There will be an upgrade of existing facilities, such as swings and roundabouts and the installation of a safety surface, which will be rubber matting that grass can grow through."

At present, the safety surface there is old-fashioned wood bark.

A play wall will be installed for teenagers, suitable for soccer and basketball practice.

Funding for this, some £2,500, has come from the Hitching Family Trust for youth projects in Gloucestershire.

Finally, a shelter will be installed, where young people can meet and socialise.

On both sites, the necessary costs of new fencing, partitions and gates have been included in the total £70,000 funding.

Coun Street said the new Lakeside play area would be a high specification playground, half way between the lake and the car park.

This area has been identified following recent site visits by town councillors.

Concerning funding, Coun Street said: "At the moment, the key is public consultation."

Public support could help unlock grants from various charitable trusts, as well as business sponsorship or donations.

However, the Lakeside development will be paid for in part with £30,000 from Cannerton Properties, the developers of the Bennions site in Broad Street.