A PLAY area in a Hampshire borough is set to be the latest to receive improvements as part of a scheme worth over £1m.

Works are planned to start on February 22 to make the Lawn Road play area in Boyatt Wood more “exciting and attractive”.

The work is said to include the installation of new planting beds and the introduction of exotic plants, including palm trees and bamboo, aimed at bringing a garden theme to the popular local facility.

The ideas for the enhancements to the park came from suggestions by members of the community during the planning stages.

The works are part of a Eastleigh Borough Council led programme worth £1.1m, to deliver new play areas and improve existing sites across the borough.

Chair of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Councillor Tina Campbell, said: “The bamboo and palm trees will be an exotic addition to this fantastic play area for local families.

“Play areas like this are essential to help children stay fit and healthy during the current lockdown.

“These improvements will create a fun and engaging space for local children to play in.”

Improvement work on the Lawn Road site is set to be completed by March 12 and during the refurbishments, will remain mostly open to the public, but will be shut for a period of two weeks to allow for the new plants to be introduced.

Whilst the maintenance work is carried out families local to the area will not be able to use the park.

These improvements come after several play areas across the borough were installed or revamped throughout last year.

New developments at Leah Gardens, North Stoneham Park, Bowlake Gardens and Hatch Farm have all benefited from the programme so far with new playgrounds being constructed for the areas children.

Refurbishments have also taken place on existing sites at Grantham Green and Leigh Road.