DOZENS of Sutton Scotney residents attended a public consultation last Saturday about how the playground at the Gratton should be revamped.

Trustees of the open land next to the GP’s surgery want to replace ageing equipment after some had to be removed over fears it might be breaching health and safety regulations.

The Gratton is run by a charity and has to raise money for all new projects on the popular area of communal land.

So a string of money-making events have been held, including a clay pigeon shoot and an evening with John Motson OBE.

Grants are being applied for, and the parish council is also making a contribution to help boost the final total.

It is hoped that some of the new equipment will be in place by early summer.

Trustee Margaret Sandford was delighted that so many people came to view pictures and quotes for possible equipment, then select the ones they preferred.

“The feedback is that people want to see a really good children’s playground there,” she said.

“Playgrounds like ours are so important for general childhood development and improving socialising skills.”