Conservative councillor for Budleigh Salterton Henry Riddell says 'he cannot wait' to see the upgrades East Devon District Council has planned for Lime Kiln Play Area.

East Devon District Council took away the play equipment at the park in September as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project.

EDDC are now working to upgrade the equipment which includes bridges, and climbing equipment to engage 'social play.'

Cllr Riddell posted on Facebook on Sunday, (January 7) to say: "Fingers crossed all being well the work will be finished by the end of spring.

"The new play area is designed to be inclusive and will even include new sensory walkways.

"The new play area will be a welcomed upgrade to what we currently have and will use a range of ‘green line’ equipment. This range includes ocean green panels made using 100 per cent post-consumer ocean recycled plastic waste, tex made posted using 100 per cent post-consumer recycled textile and plastic waste and decks made using 75 per cent ocean recycled waste. These changes reduce the manufacturing CO2 emissions by 50 per cent."

EDDC said at the time: "The outdoor gym and play equipment have reached the end of their lifecycle and will be dismantled over the next couple of weeks. Once the current equipment is taken away, the area will be reopened as a space for children to play. New equipment is expected to be installed in the Spring.

"Work is also underway in the area to complete the Kier - The Lower Otter Restoration Project, with a coast path diversion in place until the end of October."

The Lower Otter Restoration Project has also led to the re-location of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, which used to be based right behind this play park. The project is now complete, to mark the ending, a new footbridge across the river connecting the town at the Lime Kiln Car Park opened in November: New bridge marks completion of Lower Otter Project