Refurbishment work at a Bradford Council-run play area in Wibsey has finally begun after a lengthy battle by a campaign group and councillors.

The Friends of Wibsey Park have been pushing for a revamp of the area’s play facilities since 2008, and the £103,000 project is now under way.

The group has been supported by councillors to raise the funds necessary to secure the redevelopment.

Councillor Lynne Smith said: “The group have worked very hard to make this project happen. They secured funding from a not for profit organisation and we made sure they received funding from local housing developments. Residents have been asking for this new area for years and it’s fabulous that it’s finally going to happen."

A boat-shaped climbing frame, dish roundabout, cradle swings and trampolines will be built in a toddler area, and a tower slide, rope climbing frame and swings in a fully-fenced junior area. The new equipment has been provided based on suggestions by children and their parents.

Julie Holdsworth, chairman of The Friends of Wibsey Park group, said: “I’m sure the improvements, although a long time in the planning, will provide local children with a fun and safe environment to play for many years to come. It will make an awful lot of difference to the people here.”