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Work has started on the installation of accessible play equipment in parks across South Tyneside to support children with disabilities and sensory impairments.

The first piece of fully inclusive play equipment - a level roundabout - was being fitted in the children's play area at Cleadon Recreation Ground this week.

This kick-starts a programme to provide accessible play pieces in 11 parks and playgrounds across the Borough to help accommodate wheelchair users and other children who have difficulties using the existing play facilities. Other new pieces include swing sways and rock and rumbles.

The Council is also planning to adapt existing pieces of play equipment to make play spaces as inclusive as possible.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "We know how important play is to the health and wellbeing of our children. We want to encourage children of all abilities to be able to have fun and play together.

"Introducing inclusive play equipment and making our play spaces accessible to all is a key priority for us. I'm delighted to see the start of the programme with the first new piece of inclusive play equipment being installed, with more to follow over the coming months.

"We look forward to seeing our families enjoying these new additions to our play spaces throughout the spring and summer months, and for many years to come."

The equipment is being provided and installed by South Shields-based Play Fitness - the company behind the Ninja Fitness Trail at Sandhaven - with the programme of works expected to be fully complete this summer.

Play Fitness Managing Director, Paul Fairley said: "It's fantastic to be working with Â鶹ÊÓƵ on this project. It's great to see investment in fully inclusive play across the parks.

"As a local firm, we are particularly excited and proud to be providing fun and accessible play pieces for local families to enjoy. We can't wait to see our equipment being used."

The parks to benefit from a new piece of fully inclusive play equipment include:

• Carr Ellison Park, Hebburn
• Lukes Lane Park, Hebburn
• West Park, Jarrow
• Disco Fields, Boldon
• Readhead Park, South Shields
• West Park, South Shields
• Cornthwaite Park, Whitburn
• Cleadon Park, South Shields
• Galsworthy Road, South Shields
• Coulthard Park, Cleadon
• Heathway, Jarrow.

The Council worked with disability and community groups through a series of consultation sessions to understand their experiences and to ensure the new equipment meets the needs and wishes of those users.

Children from local special schools have also been taking part in a competition to design the new signage to go alongside the new equipment. - encouraging users to respect the equipment and value the investment made.

The Council is currently working through the designs to determine where they will sited once the installations are complete.