A PLAYGROUND and multi-games area in Buntingford are to receive a £66,000 facelift. About £52,000 is to be spent re-surfacing the multi-games area in Norfolk Road to provide an all-weather pitch, and a polymeric surface suitable for sports such as tennis.

A PLAYGROUND and multi-games area in Buntingford are to receive a £66,000 facelift.

About £52,000 is to be spent re-surfacing the multi-games area in Norfolk Road to provide an all-weather pitch, and a polymeric surface suitable for sports such as tennis.

Meanwhile, equipment that has become dangerous will be replaced at the play ground at Hare Street at a cost of £12,000.

Cllr Teresa Bonner, chairman of Buntingford Town Council's amenities committee, said: "It will be great to have these new facilities, particularly the multi-games area.

"People have told me that they used to use it all the time, but have recently been travelling to Steven-age to use the courts there because the surface at Buntingford is so poor.

"I'm sure once it has been re-surfaced it will encourage people to stay in Buntingford."

Cllr Bonner said that the refurbishment was only possible because the town council had been "very prudent" and saved funds for the project.

"Money has been put aside over the last three years and we now have enough to go ahead," she said

Town clerk Jill Jones said she expected the new equipment to be installed at the playground before the end of the summer holidays.

"At present the swings are dangerous and we have had to padlock the area.

"However I am currently waiting to hear from the contractors and we hope the work will begin imminently," she said.