NEWPORT mayor councillor Herbie Thomas opened new playground facilities in Bassaleg earlier this week.

The mayor was joined by local children, Graig ward and community councillors and Newport City Council’s cabinet member for streetscene and city services, Deb Davies, at the new facilities at Cowshed Lane.

Youngsters can now enjoy a wide variety of new and innovative playground equipment and there is a trim trail for those who want to keep fit and healthy.

For the very young there is a separately enclosed play area while older youngsters can use a range of facilities. There is also a rebound wall with a goal mouth and basketball hoop attached.

The installation of the new equipment was made possible by contributions received as a result of residential developments in Viaduct Way and Harlech Drive.

Councillor Thomas said: “It’s very nice, very good. They’re excellent facilities and children have been getting great fun from them.

“They’re quite state of the art. There a swing roundabout that can be used by a child in a wheelchair.

“It’s an area that’s unfortunately not had the funding in the past. The council did well to get the arrangements with the building companies.”

Councillor Davies added: “Children and young people living locally now have an amazing play facility which I am confident will provide many years of enjoyment especially as they were a given say in how it should be designed and what equipment ought to be included.”