FUNDING has been awarded to improve a play area in West Bay to include facilities for children and adults with disabilities.

The West Bay Play Area Steering Group is celebrating after being awarded £50,000 of government funding, held by Dorset County Council, which can be used to improve opportunities for children and young people who are disabled.

Following months of consultation with various groups, including Mountjoy School and the Sir John Colfox Academy, the Fisherman's Arms and Flood Lane day centres, along with an onsite public consultation - town surveyor Daryl Chambers has produced plans that double the size of the existing area and include just about everything on the group's very long wish list.

Arthur Woodgate, chairman of the Bridport Young Persons Action Trust (BYPAT), said: “We intend that the new equipment will be multi use – that it will be able to be used side by side both by those with disabilities and those who are able bodied.

"We’re not forgetting the wishes of the young people who helped create the existing area."

The project is a partnership between BYPAT and Bridport Town Council.

The initiative has already attracted the support of charities in Bridport, the Lions Club, and the Bridport Round Table. With half of the necessary funding already achieved, an appeal will be launched to help raise the remainder.

Cllr Ros Kayes, who represents Bridport at town, district and county level, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be supporting this community involvement project.

"I know how hard all those involved, especially the young people, have worked in the design process. It will provide a wonderful, free, accessible play area for children in the local community and particularly for disadvantaged people of all ages.

"In addition, this will be a valued facility for local short break providers, children’s centres, disability support groups and our special schools in west and north Dorset.”

Debbie Bird has been involved in the project since she was at school more than seven years ago.

She said: “It’s fantastic that the play area we raised funds for and designed to be for everyone really will now be for everyone, young, old, disabled and able-bodied.”