THE new £45,000 play area for Skipton Aireville Park finally looks like becoming a reality after three playground designs were short listed, out of nine tenders submitted to Craven District Council.

Members of the council's community services committee considered all applications against a number of criteria including separate facilities for toddlers and juniors, mixing modern and traditional equipment, meeting safety standards, seating, elements for special needs children and having the development completed by April 14.

The schemes were displayed at the Granville Street offices for parents and children to make comments but a poor turn out meant councillors had to make the decisions alone.

The most popular design appeared to be one from ASA Leisure which offered a wide variety of play equipment. It included two sets of swings with safety fencing, two multi-play units, and smaller play items like a roundabout, springys and balance beams.

Coun Beryl Beresford said: "I like this because of the fencing around the swings which stops small children running too close to them and getting hit."

The company could also offer a 15-year metalwork guarantee, and a five-year guarantee on safety surfacing.

The second design selected was one from Playdale which was based around an adventure playground with wooden equipment. The final choice was a tender from Parkdale Play and Leisure Ltd which offered a range of equipment. However members felt more detail was needed on the level of guarantees offered.

The committee was keen for work to start as soon as possible and left it up to officers with the chairman and vice chairman to make the ultimate decision.

Coun Dennis Hall said: "We ask Mick Cartledge (head of economic development) to proceed as quickly as possible so the kids can have the benefit as soon as possible. It is a great step forward for Craven."

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