A MAJOR redevelopment of a Ferndown attraction is under way - a year after the town's then-mayor branded provision of youth facilities an "injustice".

"Significant improvements" are being made at the King George V (KGV) Playing Field following a public consultation.

Works will take place over the next 18 months.

Phase one includes improvements to car parking on KGV land in Peter Grant Way. The work, which began on February 16, will provide additional car parking spaces and safety improvements.

The car park will be fenced off until the end of April to allow contractors to complete the redevelopment.

Councillor Mike Parkes, chairman of the project delivery group and former mayor, said the town council "recognises the impact this will have on users of this car park, particularly at the start and end of the school day".

"We fully understand that the improvement works will cause disruption to all users of the KGV facilities and we have spent a considerable amount of time ensuring minimal disruption," he said.

Motorists are urged to use other car parks in the town for the duration of the works.

Improvements to the Pavilion will begin on May 1. The work will be completed in stages to accommodate the seasonal requirements of sports groups.

Developments to outdoor facilities, including the children's play area and tennis courts, will take place during the winter months for completion in spring 2019.

Cllr Parkes said: "We would like to thank everyone for their continued cooperation over the forthcoming months.

"This will result in fantastic improvements to the sports and recreation facilities for the use of all Ferndown residents."

Last year, Cllr Parkes said the pavilion and playing fields are a "valuable community resource", but added: "It is essential they are invested in to ensure the facilities are of a contemporary standard and meet the diverse needs and expectations of Ferndown’s residents.

"The council, as sole trustee of the charity, has a duty to future-proof the charity for the next generation of users."

During the same meeting, councillors agreed to take over the running of the Riffs youth centre from Dorset County Council after Cllr Parkes said youth provision in the town is "inadequate and an injustice to the young people of Ferndown."

The centre, in Church Road, has now reopened.