An Usk-based charity has met its fundraising target, generating more than £120,000 to install new play equipment in the town.

Usk Park Project is working with Monmouthshire County Council to design and build a new play area adjacent to the Millennium Hall and Centenary Hall this summer.

The project has been made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of community groups, local businesses, residents and organisations, complemented with a Big Lottery Fund grant of £100,000.

The project was set up three years ago by a group of local parents passionate about improving play opportunities for the children of the town.

It is a registered charity with an aim to provide a destination National Equipped Area of Play (NEAP) that is free, accessible, safe and welcoming.

Through a range of community events and surveys Usk Park Project has worked with children and parents to design a wonderful new play area.

MCC is supporting the group by providing the land and administering funding as well as procuring and installing new equipment. The council will also be responsible for the maintenance of the park.

Naomi Horsley, Chair of Usk Park Project said she was thrilled that, after three years of hard work from all involved, the children of Usk and the surrounding area would enjoy a new park this summer.

“Families will love socialising in this fun and inspiring place that has been designed with our children,” she said. “ A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us over the last three years including our amazing volunteers, Big Lottery Fund, Monmouthshire County Council, community groups, residents and local businesses.

“Everyone has been incredibly generous and it’s totally overwhelming - we really do have a wonderful community here in Usk.”

Highlighting the importance of the People and Places programme, Rona Aldrich, Wales Committee Member for the Big Lottery Fund said, “Programmes like People and Places are making a difference to the lives of so many people in communities across Wales.”

Councillor Phil Hobson, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for community development added, “This is a wonderful example of how Monmouthshire’s communities work together to make it an even better place to live. This project will enable residents to enjoy an imaginative, exciting and inclusive park accessible to all. The town will benefit from the creation of a destination park that attracts people into the town to benefit local businesses.”