A NEW £55,000 play area has opened on a Kendal estate following a three-year campaign.

The play area is located between the Housing Association estate on Acre Moss Lane and Overdale Road and the older council estate of Hallgarth.

A Multi-Use Games Area was installed approximately two years ago, and further work is planned for the playing fields.

The new area includes an outdoor gym-style area, a toddler and junior playground and an area for teenagers.

Funding came from South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), Kendal Town Council and the Hallgarth Community Centre Association.

Cllr Sylvia Emmott, chairman of SLDC, said: “Young people and children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury, but a necessity and this is an amazing facility."

Hallgarth Cllr Matthew Severn said: "Its absolutely brilliant that all of us, working together, have been able to create this new playground which will be fantastic for kids and parents alike. I want to thank everyone that helped and the kids that have helped design it."

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “It's really great that at last, after much campaigning from the local community and district councillor Matthew Severn, young people and families of Hallgarth will be getting their play area back and it will be better than ever!”