The closure of a park does not normally bring much joy to children, especially when the one down the road is also shut.

But youngsters have welcomed the fact Hesketh Park, in Dartford, has been fenced off, as it is for a good reason.

The playground in Park Road is having a makeover after it was awarded an undisclosed cash sum from Dartford council's Playspace Regeneration Project.

It's one of several in Dartford set for a revamp, including Central Park, which has already received £1.2 million for the refurbishment of its play area and is due to reopen as pirate-themed Buccaneer Bay in mid-March.

Daniel Fearn lives opposite Hesketh Park with his three young children.

He said: "Every morning on the walk to school we cut through the park to see the progress. They are really looking forward to trying it out.

"They know it's not going to be as big as Buccaneer Bay, but they are just excited to have some new swings to play on."

Cllr Laura Edie is also delighted, as she has been campaigning to see the park refurbished since 2020.

"A lot of the equipment has been broken for a long time," she said. "The toddler area has been out of action for a few years. When a place is run-down it attracts vandals."

Over the past three years she has been pressing the council to get something done about the neglected park.

She added: "The new equipment will make it look attractive and appealing. It's been looking dilapidated for a long time. It's going to make a big difference.

"It is important for kids to have an outdoor space. It's a treasured part of the area and we want to be able to really enjoy it."

Leader of Dartford council Cllr Jeremy Kite said: “We made a commitment to improve the Hesketh Park play space as part of a huge investment we promised in play all around the borough.

"The project sprung from a survey we held asking residents how Hesketh Park could be improved and lots of local people made clear that the play space was a big priority.

"It’s just one of a large number of play spaces we are improving and I couldn’t be happier.

“Refurbishment of the ball court is currently under way and our contractors are also installing new swings and a brand new play area for toddlers.

"We’ve already refurbished a large climbing frame on site and last year I was very pleased to open a wildflower meadow and orchard that the public can enjoy as a space to sit and enjoy the park’s great natural surroundings."

The new look Hesketh Park is due to open at the end of the month.