A NEW play area inspired by the Battle of Evesham is being installed in the town.

More than £122,000 is being invested into a playground in St Richards Open Space, which is just off Fairfield Road in Evesham.

Wychavon District Council will pay homage to the town's historical past in the play area and will include an accessible tower complete with a dungeon, rope stair, sensory shield wall and a three lions shield.

There will also be a story throne, climbing space, a mound slide, various swings, a wobbly bridge, a moat and a 30-metre zip line.

Visitors can also try out the log see-saw or explore the wildflower meadow complete with an adventure trail, including traversing ropes and stilts.

Evesham Journal: Artwork showing what the new play park will look like when finished. Artwork showing what the new play park will look like when finished. (Image: Wychavon District Council)The design is intended to cater to children of all abilities and includes a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout and lots of sensory planting throughout the site.

Cllr Emma Stokes, Executive Board Member for Resident and Customer Service on Wychavon District Council, said: “I am delighted to see work start on this fantastic new play area, which will further enhance the existing space.

"I am particularly pleased the design has so many accessible and sensory features, making it a truly inclusive space for children to come and play.

"It’s yet another example of how we are continuing to invest in our award-winning parks and open spaces, which we know our residents love and value.”

Natural playground design and build specialists, Earth Wrights, are carrying out the work.

The Friends of St Richards Open Space have been supporting the project by providing feedback for the design brief and helping to raise funds.

Visitors can still use St Richards Open Space while work is taking place, but some parts may be closed off or paths diverted during construction.

The project is hoped to be completed by early next year.

The famous Battle of Evesham took place in 1265 between Prince Edward and Simon de Montfort.

It was one of the two main battles of 13th century England's Second Barons' War and marked the defeat of Simon de Montfort.