CHILDREN in a Cotswold village could soon have a better place to play after district councillors agreed to pay for half the costs of a new climbing frame.

The frame will now be installed at Longborough's play area and will replace another wooden climbing frame, which has been removed because it could not meet new health and safety regulations.

The total cost of the project, which has the full support of the parish council, is just under £3,800 and Cotswold District Council's capital grants sub-committee agreed last Thursday to contribute £1,892.75 towards the cost. The rest is to come from parish council funds, a grant from the Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association and fund-raising by local residents, who have already raised £230 with a jumble sale.

The same committee also approved a £1,100 grant to help meet the £2,585 cost of creating an extra parking area in Evenlode, using a small part of the village green. The parish council says the scheme is needed because of parking problems in the area and district councillor Carole Topple said: "Whenever there is any meeting or function at the village hall, parking is impossible."

Villagers say refuse lorries and other vehicles often find it difficult to get to nearby houses because of the cars parked along the road. Although some residents did oppose the plans, they have won the support of most parishioners.

The district's ward projects fund has also made its monthly grant allocations, giving £1,000 to help set up a playschool at Upper Rissington, which organisers hope will be up and running in January.

Another £400 has gone to help Moreton Business Association with this year's Christmas lights display, £1,000 to provide kitchen and cupboard space at Moreton Play Space at St David's School, £1,000 for new stage curtains at Naunton village hall and £500 for new china at the Hall of Friendship in Weston-sub-Edge.

Councillors also approved a £500 grant to help Chipping Campden Chamber of Trade plant bulbs and flowers on the approaches to the town, although they want to find out if the town council supports the scheme before handing over the cash. Town councillors have previously expressed reservations, saying they would like to see more indigenous plants.