Plans for a new play park in Kirkby Stephen have been submitted.

Westmorland and Furness Council, Kirkby Stephen Town Council, and Kirkby Stephen Cricket Club are collaborating on this project to create a playground next to the cricket pitch.

The submitted planning application for the park is now available for public viewing on the Westmorland and Furness Council website.

The playground is designed for children aged six months to 14 years, including those with additional needs.

It will feature a variety of play equipment, including a cobra swing, flywheel, sensory flower, wriggler, stepping posts, flower springie, swings and a mini pyramid.

The project is part of the Kirkby Stephen Town Centre Improvement Scheme, which aims to enhance the town's visitor, heritage and cultural offerings.

This initiative was awarded £315,500 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Of this, £150,000 is allocated specifically for the play park.

The project has also received an additional £45,700 from the Kirkby Stephen Children’s Centre outdoor amenity fund, and £9,399 from Westmorland and Furness Council’s Eden Locality Board.

Kirkby Stephen Town Council chairman Paul Richardson said: "The UKSPF money has provided for four substantial projects to be completed in Kirkby Stephen this year.

"It’s exciting times and enhances the town with more amenities."

The other projects under the Kirkby Stephen Town Centre Improvement Scheme are improved wayfinding and interpretation, redesign of Silver Street Gardens, and external refurbishment of the visitor centre.

The planned improvements for Silver Street's memorial garden include lowering the boundary wall for better visibility, extending the park area, adding more seating, and carrying out landscaping work.

The visitor centre's refurbishment will involve installing new double-glazed windows.

The wayfinding project will assess new and existing signage to improve navigation around the town.

New interpretation boards will be added to enhance the area’s appearance and encourage visitors to explore beyond the high street.

Westmorland and Furness Council is collaborating with the Coast to Coast Path (C2C) on this project.

The C2C has recently been awarded National Trail status.

The Countryside Access Team will also install improved signage from the C2C into Kirkby Stephen to ensure walkers are aware of the facilities available in town.

Westmorland and Furness Council has allocated £8.1 million from the UKSPF and Rural England Prosperity Fund for 22 projects aimed at improving community and place, supporting business and enhancing skills and education.