Work to improve public facilities and open space on Ilfracombe seafront begins this month with the installation of a new play area.

The new equipment will be built on the semi-circle of green open space near the clapping circle, with work beginning on 12 February

The play area will be suitable for children of up to 12 years of age and the equipment has been designed to be inclusive of a range of physical and mental needs for children.

It will have a statement pirate ship to reflect the town's coastal location, and the design and materials will be in keeping with the seafront's Victorian heritage.

Contractor Pennine Playgrounds Ltd is carrying out the work, which is due to be completed by Easter. The work will not interrupt any planned events on the seafront.

The £87,000 play area has been fully funded with Section 106 open space funds and is delivering on the council's Ilfracombe Seafront masterplan ambitions.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Ian Roome, says: "We have a shared vision for Ilfracombe to improve the public realm and make it an even more attractive and family-friendly destination, so I'm really pleased to see the town benefitting from significant S106 funding with a play area that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike."

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of new development in the area. These contributions can only be used for certain things, and are used primarily for public open space projects.