A POPULAR play area in Worcester will close for the next three weeks to undergo more improvements as part of a £650,000 revamp.

From Monday the children's playing fields in Diglis will be shut off for the next phase of work.

The play area is slowly being transformed by Worcester City Council under a wide ranging project to upgrade the fields, Cherry Orchard Nature Reserve and the neighbouring riverside area.

Under the latest changes, a new footpath will be laid down snaking through the play area, as well as high-quality fencing.

The fence idea is in response to residents asking for measures to stop dogs running into the playground, which is among the busiest in the city.

David Sutton, the city council's deputy director for cleaner and greener delivery, said: "These latest steps will make the Diglis fields play area safer and even more appealing for children.

"It's important we close the area while the improvements are carried out, so that children are not put at any risk while the work takes place.

"We have scheduled this for a time when there is always less use of the play equipment, with the half-term break over and the nights drawing in."

The play area, which was revamped back in the spring, features a range of equipment for toddlers and children such as a natural play mound complete with a tunnel, a wide slide, a pull-up rope, Burma Bridge, roundabouts, a Totem pole, Pendulum swings and more.

Funding for the facilities has come from private developers in return for being allowed to build new properties in the city, known as Section 106 agreements.

The council also wants to open up the river bank stretch between Cherry Orchard nature reserve and the newly-redeveloped River basin to provide new seating areas and landscaping offering views across to Worcester Cathedral.

New lighting to fully complete a 'lit route' stretching from Worcester Bridge to Diglis Bridge, and across to Lower Wick is also included.

Changes to the council's mowing plan to increase areas of longer grass and wildflowers around the fields, giving it a fresh appeal, is also among the changes.