Early public ideas for possible themes, designs and equipment at a new children’s play area in the Dane John Gardens are being sought by the city council.

The new play area will be installed in 2020, so the project is in its initial stages, but the suggestions that come forward will be used to put together draft designs later this year. Full public consultation on these will then take place.

The aim is to create an imaginative and innovative space for children up to the age of 12 to enjoy. It will be designed in keeping with the park’s heritage setting and history, and in a way that minimises anti-social behaviour.

Chairman of the council’s Community Committee, Cllr Neil Baker, said: “Sadly, the much-loved maze in the Dane John has come to the end of its life, but this gives us the opportunity to create something completely new.

“We really want to hear what sort of things people would like to see in there, from specific pieces of equipment through to the general design. That will lead to some firmer proposals that we’ll then consult on.

“It would be particularly good to hear from some children during this early phase of the project – after all, they’ll be the ones using it when it’s finished!”

Comments and suggestions should be emailed to [email protected] or made via the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages by Friday 29 March