HAGLEY kids are being encouraged to put their seal of approval on activity equipment which has recently been installed on the Worcester Road playing fields.

Parish Council chiefs want to stage an official opening this autumn and would like to hear from youngsters about what they would like to see included at the ceremony.

The equipment, which has already proved a huge hit with Hagley youngsters, includes a 30-metre double zip wire, basket swings and a skate ramp which cost £85,000 to install.

Funding was provided for the project by the Sweetpool Garden development in Hagley through S106.

Parish Council leader and Bromsgrove District Councillor Steve Colella said: "We were approached by groups of youngsters who claimed there was nothing to do in Hagley. They told us many of them liked skateboarding and wanted a place of their own where they could go to.

"It's taken two years coming to fruition, but I'm really proud of the way my fellow parish councillors have shown the foresight and vision to support the whole of the community, especially at a time when higher authorities are reducing their support for youth engagement.

"I've seen myself just how well the facilities are being used by people of all ages and that in turn has led to a big increase of use with the toddler equipment already there."

There are now plans to develop the area further by replacing the existing West Hagley Football Club changing rooms situated next to the equipment.

Plans are already in place to demolish the existing changing rooms next year and replace them with a more modern building.

Cllr Colella confirmed: "The existing building doesn't meet standards required of it anymore. The new building would include home and away changing rooms which would accommodate both male and female. They would also contain disabled toilets, a small kitchen and a separate changing room for referees.

"The Parish Council has already given approval, so now it's a question of getting the funding in place."

The parish council can be contacted on 01562 881727 or via website www.hagleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/