The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Neil Dallen, joined the Friends of Court Recreation Ground in inspecting equipment newly installed in the children’s playground.

The new play equipment, a track ride and a wheelchair accessible roundabout, were made possible from the neighbourhood portion of funds from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Cllr Dallen was keen to try out the equipment and gave it a glowing review, saying that infrastructure for children and parents alike.

Cllr "outside play at a young age is the first steps to exercise and social interaction and I’m pleased to see the council investing in the youth of the borough in this way."

Janet Wolfinden from the Friends of Court Recreation Ground said: "We love this park and the continuing investment that it receives are crucial for this green space in the heart of Epsom."

The CIL allows the council to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in the borough and is used to support new physical and social infrastructure and improve existing facilities.

Under the legislation, 80 per cent of total CIL collected has to be allocated towards borough wide infrastructure. In addition, 15 per cent of levy receipts must be spent on community priorities — referred to as the "neighbourhood portion" of the levy.

For 2018/19, councillors at Epsom and Ewell were able to bid for the 15 per cent of funds for projects within their wards, with successful bids selected by a panel of councillors.