CLOSE to a one million pounds is being ploughed into transforming nine more of the borough's parks over the next year.

In a bid for safer greener play areas, the council's second round of investment for improvements to local playgrounds will see £867,000 spent on redesigning and new equipment.

In the Chronicle last week, parents rolled out a petition calling for a safer and better Feltham Park, which under the authorities plans will see families consulted on the kind of improvements they want to see with a cash injection of around £100,000.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, cabinet member for leisure and publics health at the council, said: “Despite the seemingly never-ending cold weather, many of our parks are regularly busy which just goes to show how popular they are.

“We know parents really value our play areas, but there are some that are past their best and need bringing up to scratch.

“It’s really important for us to make sure children have the chance to get outside with their parents and friends to play, explore and do the fun things children do."

The first round of approved funding, of £952,000, was used to revamp four plays areas across the borough in the last year, and work will be completed on three more this summer.

Councillor Grewal added: “We have worked closely with parents and friends’ groups to make sure that the improvements we make reflect the needs of each local area, and the design meets the highest standards.

“We still have a lot of work to do over the next few years, but by the end of it we will have some wonderful play areas for parents and their children can enjoy for years to come.”

visit www.hounslow.info/parks-open-spaces

The play areas already complete, or due to be completed by the summer, are:

Chiswick Back Common

Crofters Close

Gunnersbury Park

Harvard Hill Recreation Ground

Inwood Park

Kingsley Road Recreation Ground

Silverhall Park

The play areas the council hope to see improved in the next round are:

Feltham Park

Avenue Park

Bedfont Lakes (both play areas)

Bedfont Recreation Ground

Boston Manor Park

Strand on the Green

Sutton Playing Fields

Waye Avenue Recreation Ground

Winslow/Bear Road Recreation Ground