FAMILIES in Didcot have welcomed plans to transform a ‘green lung’ into a fitness trail and recreation area in a £440,000 scheme.

South Oxfordshire District Council said the area of land known as the Ladygrove Loop would soon feature specially- designed outdoor gym equipment and two new play areas under plans to make it more attractive and fitness friendly.

The 4km loop, which runs through the centre and south of the estate, is currently used as a walking and cycling route.

John Cotton, the council’s cabinet member for Didcot, said: “Large parts of the current area are just grass, with little to help people get the best from the space.”

He added: “From being a place that people just walk across on their way to somewhere else, the new Ladygrove Loop will become a destination in itself.”

Seven pieces of gym equipment, including a static bike and rowing machine, will be spread across two fitness stations.

The play areas will be made from wood and other natural materials, and 10 new seating areas will be created.

Thousands of trees will be planted and cash spent improving the existing Ladygrove Park, signage, Ladygrove Lakes and creating two new feature gateways to mark the Tyne Avenue and Cow Lane entrances to Ladygrove.

Countryside officer Dominic Lamb said: “At the moment it’s a green skeleton and we want to make it somewhere people can go to enjoy open space.

“We are really going to make it look like someone cares about it.

“The gym equipment is designed so any old lady or young family can use it. It’s a way of providing exercise equipment without having to go to a gym.”

He said all the equipment was designed to be used in hard, urban areas where vandalism is a problem.

Peter Makin, 49, of Trent Road, said: “I’m not sure about the rowing machines and bikes because they might get vandalised. But I can see why they are trying to do it, to push for people to get fitter, that’s got to be beneficial.”

Hugh Boorman of Trent Road, said: “Any investment in the estate is good but I would like to see more meeting space either outside or indoors. I welcome this investment but more is needed.”

Bill Service, leader of Didcot Town Council, said: “It’s a brilliant idea, most of the estate is like a green desert with close mown grass and improvements to the landscape are appreciated.”

Work is expected to begin next year, subject to planning permission and approval from Didcot Town Council, which owns some of the land.