AN OTLEY play area is finally about to get a major revamp.

Discussions about refurbishing Wellcroft play park have been going on for some time and looked like they might come to fruition in 2015 - only for a scheme to be scrapped, due to a lack of funds, the following year.

Now Leeds City Council is preparing to carry out a range of improvements, including the installation of new play equipment, in a project that will cost between £160,000 and £200,000.

The funding for the work, which includes a £3,000 contribution from Otley Town Council, has been negotiated by the Otley and Yeadon ward's three Liberal Democrat Councillors Ryk Downes, Sandy Lay and Colin Campbell.

Cllr Downes said: "Residents have expressed concern for some time about the condition of the current play area and, following their concerns, we have at last managed to negotiate a package of finance to pay for the refurbishment."

Cllr Lay said: "The refurbishment is the result of long negotiations between members and the Parks department.

"Though the principle was agreed some time ago, detailed plans have taken a long time to put in place."

"The main problem related to structural issues," said Cllr Campbell, "but with some re-siting of the new play equipment and the regrading of the site we have managed to find a way forward."

Town council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) added: "When our city council colleagues told us that this important scheme had funding problems the town council was happy to step in and help.

"This is part of the arrangement we have to work with our city councillors to help improve play areas across Otley."