Children and teenagers will have better playgrounds by next summer - thanks to a major revamp costing £400,000.

Work on 20 playgrounds across Oxford will be starting within the next few weeks.

The city council voted to spend the money after frequent reports that many play areas look run-down, lack facilities and compare poorly with those in other cities.

There have also been complaints that older children and teenagers have no facilities provided for them.

Two sites - Hollow Way Park and Botley Park - will get outdoor courts for sports such as basketball, netball and skater hockey.

The paddling pools at Cutteslowe and Botley Park will also be improved and a mini-assault course will be built at Magdalen Wood, near Wood Farm.

Other play areas earmarked are: Aristotle Lane, north Oxford; Barton Nature Park; Broad Oak, in Wood Farm; Barns Road Pocket Park, Cowley; Croft Road, New Marston; Friars Wharf, south Oxford; Horspath Driftway; Alexandra Court, Wolvercote: Lower Wolvercote; Meadow Lane, east Oxford; Spencer Crescent, Rose Hill; Ridley Road, Temple Cowley; Waynflete Road, Headington, South Park and Hinksey Park.

Robert Evans, chairman of the leisure services committee, said: "They will be finished within the next six to eight months so they are ready for the summer season."

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