Tetbury Town Council has completed works to an engine-eous new railway station themed play area for nursery-age children.

Children have been able to enjoy the exciting new playground located on the site of Tetbury’s old railway station since August 8.

The new playground features a climbing frame and slide styled as the Tetbury Footbridge, swing sets, a model train and the Tetbury Signal Box playhouse, thanks to external funding.

Tetbury mayor Ann Pearce officially opened the play area at 11am this morning.

The project was driven by lifelong Tetbury resident and former chairman of the Tetbury Rail Lands Regeneration Trust, Will Cook.

Since the project was first announced at the Tetbury Summer Show, over £3000 was raised by the public, with a number of charitable trusts donating towards the project.

Cotswold District Council (CDC) provided £4,500 in grant funding in December 2019.

In total, Will Cook and his team raised £26,000 through fundraising, donations and grant applications.

Councillor Nikki Ind, CDC ward member for Tetbury East and Rural, said: “It’s great to see Tetbury play station opening and ready to be used by local children, the enhancements to the old railway station are fantastic and offer families with young children a great space to play and have fun for many years to come.

“I’m incredibly pleased that CDC was able to support this project through our community grant scheme.

"I would like to personally thank Mr Will Cook and his wonderful team for their hard work bringing this project to completion.”

Cllr Jenny Forde, CDC cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “This new play area is a fantastic addition to the district, and I’m sure it’s going to be incredibly popular with local children and families in Tetbury.

“The district council is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make our communities better and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”