A project designed to transform the St Paul's Adventure Playground and St Agnes Park in Bristol has received a £500,000 cash injection from the local authority.

Bristol City Council (BCC) has approved funding for the scheme, which will see the park and playground linked across a pedestrianised street in order to establish a dog-free play area for children to play. Inclusive play facilities for young people with disabilities and special needs will also be provided as part of the scheme, along with the development of new tranquil gardens to provide local residents with a place to relax.

The project has also secured £263,000 from the Big Lottery Fund's 'Green Spaces for people' programme and £250,000 from the government's 'Fair Play Pathfinder' initiative. BCC's executive member for environment and community safety, Gary Hopkins, said: "This is an innovative scheme combining much needed environmental improvements to a traditional city park with investment in a vibrant adventure playground, linked by a new inner city public space that maximises play opportunities for children and enhances shared public space for all.

"Through community involvement these designs have ensured that the improvements create better and safer neighbourhoods that reflect the real needs of local people."