A CONTROVERSIAL playground in Barton-on-Sea has been officially opened to the public.

BBC radio presenter Julian Clegg officially opened the play park, at Long Meadow, on Becton Lane, for people of all ages to use.

The scheme had run into opposition by those who thought the land should be preserved and unaltered.

Tracy Press’s son, Ellis, 11, has wanted the play area for several years and has actively campaigned to get it built.

Tracy says that she is glad that the playground has finally made it to being opened.

She said: “The opening all went well and there wasn’t too much animosity between everyone.

“Ellis has wanted a playground there since he was nine, and really it’s all about getting kids to be able to play outside.

“Some children haven’t even got a garden, as some live in flats, and this makes people come together.

“Ellis has a brother, Foye, seven, and a sister, Brienna, three, who are glad to use it as well. “It’s amazing that it is here at last.

“Julian Clegg is a local man himself, as he was born in Grove Road, which is opposite The Meadow, and Ellis actually spoke to him about standing up to the ‘big boys’.

“He fought for the local children and his family and it will hopefully still be there for him to take his grandchildren, too.”

Campaigners who were against the development of Long Meadow have previously spoken of how the play area would not be used by the ‘very aged population’.