Burnham-on-Crouch's new play area has opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning, September 18.

Burnham-on Crouch Town Mayor Cllr Fiona Clegg and Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Diane Carter, Cllr Wendy Stamp, Vice-Chairperson of the District Council Ron Pratt, Cllr Vanessa Bell and Cllr Una Siddall-Norman all attended the new park today to declare it officially open.

The area is in addition to the two play areas alongside the Dengie Hundred Sports Centre.

Councillor's gathered today to offically open the park. From the left: Cllr Fiona Clegg, Cllr Vanessa Bell, Cllr Wendy Stamp, Cllr Ron Pratt, Cllr Una Siddall-Norman, and Cllr Diane Carter.

One caregiver we spoke to told us of his grandchildren's desperation to try the brightly coloured park, not wasting any time this morning once the gates opened.

"I'm sure I'll be back later with the other grandchild!" he told us.

The bright blue structure offers a play area suitable for a range of ages. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

The new park offers an accessible ship structure with three slides, as well as five swings, a mini trampoline, a see-saw and merry-go-round.

There are also a number of interactive activities and animal structures built into the floor, as demonstrated by one excited child.

A positive verdict! (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

Construction began on the new Riverside Park play area at the end of August, with building completed in just a couple of weeks.

The park comes as part of a partnership between Maldon District Council and play equipment provider KOMPAN to provide a modern and inclusive update to play equipment in the District.

The ramp aiming to make the equipment inclusive to all. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

The Galleon and the Sensory Garden at Maldon's Promenade Park will also see new equipment, with construction starting on the sensory garden last week.