OUTDOOR fitness equipment and a new play area are just two of the projects civic chiefs have agreed to fund next year as part of a three year capital investment programme totalling £50m.

Test Valley Borough Council has given the go-ahead for outdoor exercise equipment to be installed at Knightwood Leisure Centre and a footpath to link the centre and pre-school to Skys Wood Road. In addition, Nursling is set to benefit from some new infant play equipment.

Finance portfolio holder, Councillor Peter Giddings, said: “These are just some of the important projects we have committed to delivering this year.

“The outdoor exercise equipment at Knightwood will complement the facilities available at the leisure centre and will provide an additional way for people to be active.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Phil North said: “When I visited Valley Park Ward over the summer, Councillor Alan Dowden expressed his desire for a new footpath to be installed to make access to the leisure centre and pre-school safer.

“I’m pleased we have been able to fund it.”

A children’s play area will also be installed in Nursling to increase opportunities for youngsters to climb, play and explore with vibrant new equipment.

The projects are scheduled to start in spring 2018.

Celia Dowden, borough councillor for North Baddesley and leader of the Liberal Democrat party, added: “The new leadership teams are working more closely together for the benefit of Test Valley residents.

“North Baddesley is to gain a large capital expenditure to improve the Fleming Avenue Precinct.

“Valley Park will get a pathway from Skyswood Road to the Knightwood Leisure Centre and an outside gym area.”