THE chairman of Monmouthshire County Council jumped back into his childhood last week when he opened the children's play area in Bailey Park

Councillor Peter Clarke enthusiastically joined three children using the trampoline equipment and bounced up and down, to the delight of the youngsters, all pupils at Our Lady and St Michael Roman Catholic Primary School in Abergavenny. They had been invited to join in the fun at the official opening.

After a brief introduction by Monmouthshire County Council's recreation officer Tim Bradfield, Councillor Clarke welcomed everyone and said the old play equipment and safety surfacing had been on the site for many years and had badly deteriorated. Although still well used it lacked play value and was aimed at toddlers.

He said: "It did nothing to enhance the look of the park, which like many parks throughout the country had deteriorated, but we know how important Bailey Park is to the town for sport, special events and for families wanting to spend valuable leisure time together.

"It is hoped that by working in partnership with the Friends of Bailey Park and the town council, the park's fortunes will turn around. This new play area has started this process of improvement

"I think you will agree that this play area looks fantastic and probably makes many of us here today jealous that we are no longer children, because the design and quality of equipment has come a long way from the swings, roundabouts and seesaws we experienced when we were young."

He thanked the council workforce for designing and installing the play area to such a high standard.

Many parents have commented on the transformation of the play area, but equally they have complained that the equipment will be ruined unless teenagers who gather there are stopped from using it.