PCSO Tracey Lord, Hattie Taylor, Christine Hicks, Wayne Probert & Pam Barratt at the site in Pondfield park

Work has started on a £45,000 adventure playground made possible thanks to a Lottery grant secured by residents.

The playground, in Pondfield Park, will have a zip-wire, cycle track, play boulders, stepping logs and a climbing wall, as well as an enhanced pathway and plants.

Funding from the Big Lottery was secured by Reede Road Tenants’ and Residents’ Association.

Vice-chairman Pam Barratt, 73, said the association was delighted to see work start on the playground, which should be complete in around two weeks.

She said: “We first got in touch with the Lottery people about two years ago, so to finally see the playground taking shape is wonderful.

“It’s something we really need in the area, as too many young people are hanging out on the street because they have nowhere else to go.”

The association asked children what kind of play ground they wanted before ordering equipment.

“We wanted them to have a say as it will be the children who use it,” Pam said “A lot of the equipment has been chosen by them.”

The playground will be for young and older children she added.

“And maybe not just youngsters. I’m planning to have a go at the zip-wire myself.”

Environmental charity Groundwork UK allocated the Lottery money and Essex-based company SLC is carrying out the work.