A multi-use play wall on the Recreation Ground could form part of a major shake-up of play equipment provision for children in Newent.

One set of swings, out of the two presently there, could be removed to make space on the Watery Lane site.

Although Newent Town Council will not make any firm decisions until next month at the earliest, deputy mayor Bill Offord said this week that he saw no reason why the play wall and a new Lakeside play area for younger children should not be in place by next summer.

Councillors have identified a suitable flat site for the Lakeside facility, close to the car park for the convenience of parents, though this idea is still to be approved.

Coun Offord said: "It would be at the top of the paddock, on the left hand side, as you look towards the lake.

"The new facility would also handily place for the car park."

The idea is that the Recreation Ground site would attract older children while the Lakeside facility would have equipment for younger ones.

The Lakeside area is currently without a play area, following the closure earlier this year of an older facility close to the bypass.

The total level of funding for the new facilities is still be decided, but one consideration will be whether to install a traditional bark surface under the Lakeside facilities or a more modern safety surface.

Coun Offord said: "The bark surface is still acceptable, but some members feel that we should look at a longer life safety surface."

Newent Initiative money is likely to be drawn in for the whole project, together with at least £25,000 as a windfall payment from the developers of the Bennions site in Broad Street.

The town council itself has put aside £3,000 in its budget for the improvements.