A GROUP of mums have got together to raise £45,000 to refurbish and extend a run-down play area in Kendal.

The five mums have formed a group called the Beck Community Play Area (BCPA) with the hope of transforming the park by the community centre on Esthwaite Avenue.

“The park has been there for about 20 years and it’s very dilapidated and dangerous,” said one of the mums, Karen McDonald, 31, of Heron Close. “The wood is chipped so there are splinters, the matting is lifting up so it’s a trip hazard and the spring equipment is broken.”

The group plans to raise £45,000 through a series of fundraising events and grants and has approached five different playground equipment companies, three of which have so far drawn up detailed plans.

Mrs McDonald - mum of two-year-old Lewis - said the proposals included a central piece with a climbing frame and slides, a roundabout, swings and spring equipment and BCPA also hopes to extend the area for teenagers with equipment such as a basket swing.

“The older children haven’t got anything else to do so we want to stretch the age range,” said Mrs McDonald.

The play area will also be disabled-friendly.

BCPA will hold its first annual general meeting on February 27 at the Beck Community Centre, 10am to 11am. Anyone interested in the scheme or those who wish to become a member of the group are invited to attend.

For more information or to share your ideas email beckbcpa@yahoo.co.uk.