A Winchester play area has finally reopened after wet weather caused a delay.

After closing for refurbishment in September last year, the aim was to have it open at the end of the Easter holidays.

Winchester City Council blamed the delay on the recent string of wet weather, with the area opening on April 28.

Scores of families have been enjoying the new facilities over the bank holiday weekend.

Katie Westwood and her son Parker were enjoying the park equipment on May 2.

Hampshire Chronicle: Children enjoying the roundabout

Katie said: “We always have a little visit here whenever we come to town. It's nice that has reopened because it was quite a while without it. This is definitely an improvement on what it was before.”

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Jade Wall was spending the afternoon pushing her daughters on the swings. Jade said: “It seems good, it's very nice and clean. Both of my girls seem to enjoy it. So I think we will spend most of our summer here. It's much improved and I'm glad they kept the old train.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Jade Wall's daughters on the swing

Posting on the day of the opening on Facebook, Winchester City Council said: “We’re very pleased to say that Abbey Gardens play area is now open. We were so pleased to meet our first visitors to the park.”

The work has been carried out at the park to make it more inclusive. Changes include a new accessible roundabout, an inclusive swing and a communication board for non-verbal children.