THE sensory installations to be included in the new extension to the West Bay Play Area have now been selected by the Fisherman’s Arms Consultation Group and the Mountjoy School Council.

Music, with puzzles, fun mirrors, totem poles and fragrant plants and flowers topped their priority list.

In presenting the possible options Bridport Town Council Town Surveyor Daryl Chambers said there was now sufficient funding to be able to change the installations from time to time and so provide a greater range of experiences.

Arthur Woodgate, chairman of BYPAT Bridport Young Persons’ Action Trust Charity which is partnering the town council in this initiative said: “As always there was tremendous enthusiasm at both our sessions.

“We reminded them that, once the work is completed and before it is opened to the general public, they will be able to ‘test run’ the new equipment that they have helped choose. 

“They’ve been brilliant, and we would never have got to this point without their very support.”

Mr Chambers said a tree planting programme would accompany the development, and that the consultation group would be able to have their own trees where the names of everyone who has been involved would be recorded. Other groups who had not been directly involved would also have an opportunity to join in with this programme.

Play area development group member Debbie Bird said: “All I can say is that I’m beyond excited that we’ve got all the money needed and that the building of the park is going ahead so soon.

Debbie was one of the young people on the first Summentor summer mentoring project more than seven years ago. 

She also then helped to design the existing area and raise more than £6,000 to help make it possible. 

Weather permitting, work will begin on the new area in six weeks’ time. 

The play area was designed to reflect its setting on the Jurassic Coast and the area’s history of rope making. 

The play area was first opened in May 2010.

For more information contact D.Chambers@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com.