Work has started on a £40,000 upgrade of a children’s play area.

Iwade’s Woodpecker Park will be given a smart new look with modern play equipment.

The revamp will include a roundabout, double-width slide, musical play panels, basket swing and springers.

Swale council is working with Iwade Parish Council to improve the park and the surrounding open green space, known as Iwade Nature Park.

A Swale council spokesman said: “Improvements include an extension and improvements to the existing play area and a new circular footpath and footbridge around the pond and across the stream, incorporating new benches, rubbing plaques and play sculptures to form a play trail.”

Work started on Monday last week and is expected to take up to four weeks to complete.

“The project began in January with the aim of getting the park open for the summer holidays,” the spokesman added.

“Play sculptures are being installed around the nature park which will provide play opportunities whilst the play area is closed.

“The alternative play area, in Stangate Drive, is just a seven-minute walk away.”

James Hunt, the council’s deputy cabinet member for regeneration, said he was pleased Woodpecker Park was being upgraded.

“This is something the parish council has been working on for some time with Swale council and the extra equipment will be a great addition to an already well-used play area, as well as the additional disability play equipment being welcomed to those children who are unable to use the existing set-up.

“This, with the additional plans of play sculptures, new benches and the new footpaths around the Orchard, will ensure more people have access to the park and will be well-used for future generations.”

Cllr Hunt added there was no theme to the play area but that it has been designed with children with disabilities in mind.

Funds for the project have come from the housing developments in Iwade, as part of planning agreements, and could only be spent on play equipment.