DEDHAM Parish Council has been awarded a £15,000 cashpot to revamp a play area.

The money has come from the Community Initiative Fund, a small grants scheme run by Essex County Council which helps special projects across the county.

As part of the scheme, Dedham Parish Council was handed £15,000 to resurface and buy new equipment for Dedham play area on the sports field.

The revamp is going to cost £40,000.

Sheila Beeton, chairman of the council, said: “The truth of it is, it is looking a bit sad.

“It needs a new surface and those are extremely expensive.

“We were successful in getting £15,000 from the Community Initiative Fund and we also successfully approached Colchester Council for the remainder of the money from section 106 developer money, which they agreed.

“We hope to have the new area open in the summer holidays and also make some new provision for disabled children.”