MORE than £25,000 will be spent on installing new play equipment at a Stanford-le-Hope park.

Youngsters who use the Ruskin Road park were dismayed after Thurrock Council tore down play equipment in October 2010 because it was no longer safe.

Hearing the council may not replace the equipment, pupils at St Clere’s School set about drumming up funds, as well as holding a consultation in the park, about what young people would like to see installed there.

They raised £1,500 themselves and secured £15,000 from the Veolia Mardyke Trust.

Thurrock Council has now agreed to put in £10,000 and said the equipment should be installed by summer.

Stanford-le-Hope West councillor Terry Hipsey welcomed the news.

The Labour councillor said: “It is great news our children will once again enjoy using play equipment at Ruskin park.

“It was regrettable to have to remove the old play equipment at such short notice, but having seen how badly corroded the old metal framework was, prompt action was taken to prevent a child potentially injuring themselves.”

Fellow ward member, Conservative councillor Shane Hebb, added: “This achievement was made possible by kind contributions from Veolia, local businesses and St Clere’s School.

“Officers and councillors have worked hard to co-ordinate the exercise of securing funds, and I am glad that work has now paid off.”