THE creation of wildflower meadows and natural play areas are underway at an increasingly popular part of Worcester.

Ongoing plans to transform Diglis playing fields and the Cherry Orchard nature reserve have entered their second phase.

New footpaths and seating areas are also being put in as part of the new wave of works.

Gates will also be installed at all the entrances to make the area safer for children, and a new car park with space for up to 16 cars will be added.

The current phase of works is due to be completed by November 2016.

Last summer, a newly equipped playground was installed at Diglis Fields as part of the revamp which was planned after the area, which also includes the riverside, was identified as being important for the city.

Claire Edwards, Secretary of the Friends of Diglis Fields, said: ”Local residents are delighted with the new playground and we are looking forward to seeing the next phase of improvements taking shape”.

Contractors are currently on site and areas where the work is taking place will be cordoned off, but the play area, fields and nature reserve are still accessible.

More work is planned for later in the year with new trees to be planted at Diglis Fields over the winter.

The final phase of the work will see a number of improvements to the riverside area, including improved lighting, in the future.

The plans are being funded through a £665,000 contribution from private developers, as part of Section 106 agreements, in return for building new homes.