Children and families will soon be able to enjoy improvements to Queen Elizabeth Gardens with upgrade works underway at the popular Horsell play area.

The improvement programme will give the playground a fresh new look, including a replacement roundabout, new overhead monkey bars and refurbished rubber safety surface throughout the play area.

To allow the works to take place, the playground closed on Monday (7 September) for approximately two weeks.

The improvements are being funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy following a successful funding application by ward councillor, John Morley.

Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s portfolio holder for green spaces and play, said: “I'm delighted that work is beginning on these improvements, which will help make the play area safer and more enjoyable for local children and families.

“I'd like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation while the play area is temporarily closed. While the timing coincides with the return to school, carrying out the works during term time helps minimise disruption by avoiding the busy summer holiday period.

“I'm sure local children and families will be excited to return, take the new roundabout for a spin and enjoy the improved facilities when the playground reopens.”

The play area is expected to reopen on Friday, 18 September, subject to suitable weather conditions.

In other news, Working Together for Woking, the borough's largest showcase of voluntary and community support, returns this autumn for its sixth year, bringing together organisations, volunteers and residents to connect.

Taking place at Woking Leisure Centre on Thursday, 12 November, the free networking event will welcome up to 100 local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations for a day of collaboration and information sharing.

Residents are also invited to drop in between 10.30am and 1.30pm to discover the wide range of services available across the borough and explore volunteering opportunities.