A PLAYGROUND in Queensbury at the centre of a funding battle officially opened its gates to families on Friday.

The new play area at Queensbury Recreation Ground, in Honeypot Lane, was one of nine projects across the borough facing the axe last summer when the government threatened to pull the plug on the Playbuilder scheme.

The project aimed to provide new or improved outdoor play areas across the country.

Following a campaign by Harrow mother, Susie Nathan, backed by Harrow Council, the Government decided to give the full £595,000 that had been originally promised.

Ms Nathan and her one-year-old daughter Jesca were joined by pupils from St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, in Clifton Road, Kenton, who took part in an Easter egg hunt to mark the opening of the new play area.

Ms Nathan said: “This is a brilliant day for local families. The old equipment was tired, old-fashioned and falling into disrepair.

“In contrast our new playground is really exciting, there is something to do for kids of all ages. I’ve never seen the park so busy.

“I got involved in the campaign to persuade the government to give us our funding back because we were so close to getting these fantastic new facilities before they were snatched away.

“I’m really pleased we made a difference. I’ve spoken to parents and they’re all so happy to have somewhere so nice to bring their children. It’s going to make a real difference this summer.”

The playground has been refurbished, with an old roundabout and broken swings replaced with a wide range of equipment including a slide, a climbing unit for toddlers, new swings, a three seat rocker, roundabout, seesaw and stepping pods.

The council’s portfolio holder for environment and community safety, Councillor Phillip O’Dell, said: “This is a victory for people across Harrow and shows what we can achieve when the council and residents stand up and challenge the Government together.

“We know how much residents value their local parks, which form a key part of our communities, so we were determined not to let the Government get away with snatching our money away.

“It’s been great to go around the borough and see the playgrounds now open to the public, and it’s been especially good to see all the local children enjoying their new playground today.”