The finishing date for a park’s £80,000 makeover has been revealed ahead of its "transformation" this winter.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is to carry out several improvements to the Rectory Way play area in Kennington, Ashford.

Already boasting swings and climbing equipment, it will now see the addition of multiple new benches, a roundabout and more general playing facilities for users.

Existing equipment is set to stay at the park, with clearer sightlines and pathways which no longer divide the area also part of the project.

ABC says this "integration of the natural landscape" will convert the play park into "a rejuvenated and vibrant community space".

It comes a year after the local authority was first lobbied to make changes to the site opposite Beecholme Drive.

Now, the one-acre park behind Cineworld has been selected for several upgrades.

Funding for the £77,000 scheme has come via Section 106 (S106) funding.

This is an agreement made between local authorities and developers attached to planning permissions to provide community facilities and infrastructure as mitigation for the impact of a development.

Ward councillor Diccon Spain (Lab) says the scheme will allow visitors to enjoy their time at Rectory Way in the long-term.

The ABC representative for Bockhanger said: "I'm delighted to announce the play area in Rectory Way Park will be receiving a complete revamp.

"I've been working with various council officers for almost a year now to make sure the Section 106 funding available for this project was used to deliver a revitalised play area that will bring joy to local families for years to come.

"I look forward to seeing the transformed play area being enjoyed by local residents early in the new year."

Work on the park is due to begin in the coming weeks ahead of its completion at the end of January.

ABC is also spending a further £100,000 from its maintenance budget to improve three other play areas.

Westhawk Farm Play Park in Kingsnorth, School Road play area in Hothfield and Tenterden's Henley Meadow are to see several "high-quality" repairs in the future which will improve safety and accessibility for youngsters.

It means ABC will spend more than £300,000 of S106 funding to improve parks throughout the district this year.