CHILD safety is top priority at a Penarth park, where improvements will help protect youngsters.

Belle Vue Park is to get a new entrance in the perimeter fence, resulting in a gateway closer to Albert Road's supervised road crossing.

Additionally the scheme will see the Albert Road-Belle Vue Terrace gate sealed, forming an enclosed corner where toddlers can play safely without direct access to the road.

The project also includes installation of new railings around the bowling green, to the delight of club members. They say it will result in more protection from vandalism.

Funding has come from a Vale of Glamorgan capital programme to refurbish several parks in the county.

The council has been consulting the community association, Friends of Belle Vue Park, to achieve the best possible outcome.

Chairman Nick Penn said: "These issues were top of the list of members' priorities at our AGM back in June. We're very pleased that the Vale is investing in the future of our park.

"Our members have been concerned about the children's play area. The equipment is in a poor state, there's direct access onto the road and no dog-proofing. The new scheme will begin to address some of these problems and improve the safety of children using the park."

The new entrance will allow Albert Primary School pupils direct access to their crossing, installed recently as part of a traffic calming scheme. Lollipop lady Pat Mumford said: "Moving the gate means the children are more likely to cross safely."

Mr Penn said: "We'd like to think this is just the beginning. Our play area sub-committee is also seeking out funding to buy some new equipment and to make the play area dog-proof."

Work on the entrance is set to begin soon, as is contractual work to remove the chain-link fencing around the bowling green.