AND it's open... weeks of hard work has come to fruition as the new play area at Mill Marsh Park opens for business.

Bovey Tracey's brand new space for young people replaces the previous play area, which was more than a decade old and getting to the end of its life, with repairs becoming increasingly expensive.

Its replacement was, therefore, earmarked as a priority by Bovey Tracey Town Council.

Work to redevelop the existing site began in mid-October, after the council’s open procurement process saw playground specialists, Eibe Play Ltd, awarded the contract.

The redevelopment, which was made possible by Section 106 funding and the Community Infrastructure Levy, features an castle, the naming for which was decided by competition.

Local youngster Maddie's entry was drawn out of the hat... and so behold 'Bovey Towers'.

Cllr Sheila Brooke, centre, with local youngster Maddie, right, cutting the ribbon of 'Bovey Towers'
Cllr Sheila Brooke, centre, with local youngster Maddie, right, cutting the ribbon of 'Bovey Towers' (Ethan Heppell / MDA)
Bovey Tracey Town Clerk, Mark Wells, mayor of Bovey Tracey, Cllr Sheila Brooke, with representatives from Eibe Play Ltd
Bovey Tracey Town Clerk, Mark Wells, mayor of Bovey Tracey, Cllr Sheila Brooke, with representatives from Eibe Play Ltd (Ethan Heppell / MDA)

Mayor of Bovey Tracey, Cllr Sheila Brooke, officially opened the play area on Thursday, January 11, with a helping hand from local pupils.

'A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this project, I know it has generated a lot of interest, but also thank you to my fellow councillors who have supported it from the word go' Cllr Brooke said.