Ayscoughfee Gardens refurbishes play area following South Holland District Council investment

Spalding's Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens has reopened its popular play area, following a period of refurbishment and repairs through a £24,000 investment by South Holland District Council.

Work was required at the family favourite park after an act of vandalism last year, which resulted in the destruction of the cage swing as well as significant damage to the surrounding flooring.

However, now that work is completed, the swing and its safety surface have been completely replaced with new, high-quality installations. As part of the work the team has also carried out repair and renovations to the jeep equipment, ensuring its continued enjoyment for young adventurers for many years to come.

Set across five acres, Ayscoughfee Gardens provides a beautiful setting in the heart of Spalding with surroundings and facilities to keep families entertained over summer. As well as the play area there are recently refurbished tennis courts, a bowling green and a putting green, as well as the stunning Peace Garden and ornamental lake, popular café and of course Ayscoughfee Hall Museum, a mid-15^th century house which is now home to fascinating local history and exhibits.

It also follows the recent start of works by the council on the historic Grade I listed Lutyens war memorial in the Gardens, which will see a five-month, £205,000 programme of repairs and improvements to the monument including cleaning of stonework, roof tile replacement, repair of cracks, new skirting, flooring replacement and the repair of the memorial panels.

Councillor Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: "It's great that the team have been able to not only fix the vandalism but also get the area improved so that it can be enjoyed again. Mindless vandalism like this robs residents of the ability to enjoy these areas and it is good that this could be turned around so quickly ready for the summer months, and we remain committed to doing all we can to maintain and improve our community assets."

Ayscoughfee Gardens are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year except Christmas and are free for people to visit and enjoy. The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday between 10.30am and 4pm.