WORK is due to start on Dawlish’s new play park before Christmas.

The £320,000 scheme, jointly funded by Dawlish Town Council and Teignbridge Council, was approved by the town council in the summer.

Ahead of the work beginning, the town council has to officially lease the area from landowners Teignbridge Council.

Notice of the takeover has been publicised but this is formality to allow the town council to press ahead with the work.

Given under the Local Government Act 1972, the notice explains that Teignbridge Council intends to ‘dispose’ of the area of public space in the Manor grounds by leasing it to the town council for 20 years for use as the new play park.

The town council will then be responsible for maintenance of the play park area.

The park has been due for upgrading for several years.

Plans approved by councillors include a children’s trail along the Brook, through the Lawn, past the Knowle and up to Manor Gardens.

The new design, which will extend the play park slightly, has been created in consultation with Oakwood College in Dawlish, a specialist college for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

It has been specifically designed to be inclusive and full accessible for disabilities and for able-bodied and disabled children and young people to use.

The plans have included black swan and coastal themed features.