WORK has begun to revamp a children’s play area as part of a long-awaited restoration of a historic park.

The work has seen the playground at Thompson Park, Burnley closed to the public and it is expected to remain shut until March next year.

Under the scheme, the existing play equipment will be removed and new play facilities will be fitted.

As well as installing the new equipment, the playground will see some existing equipment refurbished including the popular rocking horse, multi-play unit and swing sets.

The revamp of the children’s playground is part of a wider £1.2 million Heritage Lottery funded project, which will see the pavilion café, Italian gardens, the boathouse and toilet facilities restored and refurbished.

Exciting play opportunities will include the introduction of an inclusive sand and water play unit, made possible by the Lancashire Environment Fund, a cantilever swing and an aerial runway.

Cllr John Harbour, Burnley Council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: “I am pleased that the work is now starting and by Easter 2018 we will have a fun play space for young children to enjoy.

“This park holds a special place in the town’s history and I look forward to the time when the park is restored to its former glory.”

The council’s executive has agreed two tenders from east Lancashire companies for work to go ahead on restoring park buildings and replacing Art Deco gates and railings around the park, particularly along the Ormerod Road frontage.

The work is set to begin next month and will include the refurbishment of the existing toilet block and the conversion of the boathouse into a café.

The paddling pool will be resurfaced and the system of filling and draining will be improved to make it more efficient.

While the octagonal shelter, just outside the play area entrance, will be replaced with a new one towards the end of the project in spring next year.

Visitors to the park have been advised to expect some disruption while the restoration project is underway.

This will include public toilets being closed on the park while work on the playground is being carried out.

Elsewhere, The Friends of Calder Park in Burnley have received a £10,000 grant from Big Lottery Fund - Awards for All, to pay for new play equipment, including a zip line, cantilever swing and a roundabout.