A COMMUNITY came together to mark the end of the first phase of work to create a recreation area for children on Saturday.

Toddlers through to teenagers in Barnton are already benefiting from the improvements at the new-look Nursery Road Recreation Ground - and project leaders say there is even more to come.

So far a skate park, a basketball area, a teen shelter, picnic area and nature park have been created, the first phase of a £360,000, two-part regeneration of the park area. Work on the second phase is due to begin later in the year.

On Saturday the Nursery Road Recreation Group, members of the parish council and the community got together for a tree planting day to finish off the landscaping for phase one.

Next month some soundproofing will be installed at the skate park after residents voiced concerns over the noise from the ramps. The Nursery Road Recreation Group under-took a full acoustic survey to ascertain the best way to reduce noise levels, and will be installing soundproofing foam in April.

Group secretary Councillor Angela Robinson said: 'I'm pleased that we'll soon be taking action to reduce the noise levels from the ramps. While the majority of the residents are not affected by the noise, it is clear that it is a problem for those who are closest and the installation of the soundproofing foam will make a substantial difference.'

The second phase of the development will include the creation of junior and toddler play areas and two five-a-side football pitches. The group has already secured a substantial amount of funding and is waiting on the outcome of a large grant application this month and another in May. If they are successful, work will begin in the summer.

Cllr Robinson said: 'Phase two will include a large amount of play equipment for younger children as well as two five-a-side football pitches. Hopefully by the back end of this year we will be able to make a start on it.

'The kids have really enjoyed making use of the site so far, especially the older ones who have been able to make use of the skate park.'