THE FIRST plans to improve an open space as part of a "huge investment" in Penarth's parks have been revealed.

Plassey Square open space is one of a number of spaces in north Penarth which the Vale council has identified for an upgrade of play facilities.

In June 2016, the council announced that they had received a "substantial" amount of section 106 funding following negotiations with the developers at the Penarth Heights housing scheme and revealed that they were proposing to use it to upgrade and enhance open spaces in the area.

A consultation ran through the summer on the proposed upgrades to Plassey Square, The Dingle, and Paget Road open spaces as well as Cogan Recreation Ground.

Since then, the council has announced Wordsworth Park and the Cliff top play area are also being considered for improvements

Local residents, school pupils, and those with an interest in the future of Penarth’s green spaces were all given the chance to air their views via the website and through a number of public drop-in sessions.

As a result of this exercise, the council has now revealed the first plans for the Plassey Square scheme.

They involve a pirate's tower, swing set, slides and various rocking and rotating play equipment as well as a musical area, benches and a grassy area.

The area would be enclosed by a fence and would have bike racks and bins just outside.

There would also be a toddler unit which caters for all abilities, with a shallow drag ramp access and transfer platform that any child with upper body strength can play on incorporating three levels of access.

This area would include a double width slide, ramps with hand and foot grips, a binocular balcony, a ring climber and a ramp climber

There will be a chance to look at the proposed developments and ask questions at another drop-in session on Monday, January 23 from 4-6pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Plassey Street.

Deputy leader of the Vale council and cabinet member for regeneration and education, Lis Burnett said: "I am absolutely delighted that we are within touching distance of the first of seven parks and open spaces that are going to see upgrades.

"We should have designs for the next one very soon."