A TOWN council is proud to lead the way in inclusive play equipment for all children, regardless of disability.

Shotton councillors met at North Street Park recently to discuss how they can further improve the local play area.

The town council has match funded £5,000 along with Flintshire County Council, and has also received a donation of £2,000 from Parc Adfer in a bid to improve facilities so disabled children are not excluded.

Cllr Gary Cooper told the Leader: "It's brilliant. This particular area is a deprived area and on the grounds of mental health we need to get children out and enjoying the fresh air.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that once again Shotton Town Council is at the forefront of getting inclusive play equipment for the residents of North Street."

It was decided that an inclusive roundabout would be the ideal piece of equipment to be placed in the park which would cost around £13,000.

However, at the site meeting, Cllr Ron Davies raised concerns as to whether the roundabout would be subject to vandalism.

Richard Roberts, play designs officer for Flintshire Council, said: "There's one at Deeside Leisure Centre and although it can be prone to silly behaviour there's been no issues so far over the last couple of years."

The Leader has previously reported that the park received an all-inclusive swing at the request of Shotton mum, Cheryl Woodfin because she wanted her child to have the same benefits as able-bodied children.

Jack Gerrard, lives at home with his mum, stepfather Blu Moss and one-year-old sister Sienna-Blu and he suffers from Angelman Syndrome and epilepsy which has left him unable to walk or communicate properly.

Almost one year on, the town council is pleased to be able to offer more equipment for the children of Shotton.

Cllr Gillian Brockley, chair, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer an inclusive play area for all children."

It is hoped that the roundabout will be in the park before the summer holidays and councillors said next year, they would like to place an all-inclusive slide at the ground.

Cllr Ron Davies added: "We need to acknowledge the part that Flintshire County Council is playing in all of this with the match funding.

"By the time it's finished, it will be greatly used by residents and children.

"We look forward to maybe putting another piece of equipment so we will be taking that to our council meetings."