Children in the Eastbury area got into the swing of things on Friday as they celebrated the long-awaited opening of a new children's play area.

Gloomy skies failed to deter young people and their parents from trying out the willow tunnel, basket swing and stroking stone bear in the new play area in Eastbury Playing Fields in Batchworth Lane.

After selecting the equipment, green-fingered pupils from Eastbury Farm School put the final touches to the playground by planting sensory garden shrubs such as thyme, bamboo and lamb's ear.

Moor Park and Eastbury Ward Councillor Kemal Butt said the playground would be a place where friendships would start and grow.

Councillor Butt said: “It is such a lovely thing when we celebrate the future. This play area is there because of the community and for the community, I am sure we will all enjoy it for years to come.

“Young ones will learn sharing and good sportsmanship and I hope they will understand the importance of looking after the environment and very importantly respecting the privacy of people living in the area.”

Arguments about the development had been going on for more than seven years, with many residents claiming such a development would prove a magnet for anti-social behaviour and others expressing concerns about noise levels.

Many parents, however, argued that there was nowhere in the local vicinity where children (and adults) could mix with each other in fun surroundings.

Mother-of-two and local resident Sian Lim, said she was "delighted" with the outcome.

Mrs Lim, of Farm way, said: “I am really pleased that children and adults now have a place where they can meet new people and play. We never had anywhere like this in Eastbury.

“The new playground is never empty. Every time I’ve driven past people are always there. It is a lovely place to meet. It’s a real social point.”

Residents Joanne and Andrew Dawrant who have lived in Bourne End Road in Northwood for 30 years said their four grand-children ‘loved’ the playground.

Mrs Dawrant said: “Our children grew up here and went to the local school. They had nothing like this and there was no playground nearby. It’s great we can now bring our grandchildren here. They love it.”

Three Rivers District Council's team of qualified play workers were on hand to provide fun and games, along with a bouncy castle and a special guest appearance from Snow White's seven dwarves.

Chairman of the council Councillor Richard Laval cut the ribbon to mark the official opening.