An initiative to rejuvenate a Verulamium Park play area aims to raise £200,000 to start the work.

Charity Verulamium at Play brings together parents, neighbours and volunteers to fundraise in order to revamp the play area in St Alban’s Verulamium Park.

The area has not seen much change in 30 years and the group need to raise £200,000 by Summer 2018 in order to complete the work, with £50,000 already secured from money paid to the council by developers.

Cllr Jessica Chivers, who spearheaded the campaign, said: “I think play areas are really important because they give parents respite, kids a good time, encourage physical activity and all sections of the community can come together.”

She added: “We have been in St Albans for 15 years and I have always thought that it looked a bit sad; we should have something that is more dynamic.”

A levy exists in the council which means £50,000 has already been secured, but the park exists on a historical Roman site, it may cost more money than usual to renovate the area.

Renovations will include updating the old equipment and replacing the park and surfaces, with designs to be available for consultation in due course.

The charity kicked off their fundraising in February and businesses in the area have already got involved, with a “May Day Play Day” set to take place this Bank Holiday.

The fun day takes place at the White Lion Pub from 12pm on Monday and all funds raised go towards the new park.