A popular park in Ellesmere Port has officially reopened following a £36,000 project to improve play and leisure facilities for users.

Following a public consultation, the work at Westminster Park off Westminster Road, includes new toddler play equipment to replace old wooden equipment which was coming to the end of its life.

Improvements have also been completed to the sports facilities, with an extension of the asphalt pitch and the installation of a second goal to enable team sports to be played at the park.

Residents were invited to offer their views on the proposed improvements.

Rossmore ward borough councillor Pat Merrick (Lab) said: “These improvements for Westminster Park have come as a direct result of local residents sharing their community’s ideas.

“I hope that the community now make the most of the new facilities, especially as the lighter, warmer nights draw nearer.”

Borough culture and economy chief Cllr Stuart Parker said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that we have completed this very worthwhile project and the park can now be enjoyed by the local community again.

“This scheme was a classic example of the community and council working together to highlight local need and find the funding to make it happen.”

The council’s Greenspace team was approached by park users last year, requesting new play equipment and improvements to sporting facilities. The council managed to secure funding from its own budget supported by a contribution from the Plus Dane Housing Trust.

The final part of the project will see community planting to replant two raised planters involving primary school children.