The council is ‘looking to’ add an extra fully accessible piece of equipment to a £100,000 playground refurbishment after the winning design was criticised by campaigners.

A consultation, launched on May 25, put the choice of five playground designs to the public vote and suggested each design included two specific items of play equipment known for their inclusivity.

Campaigners criticised the accessibility of all five designs but have now praised the council’s response.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) announced the winning design for the revamped playground on June 19, which includes a trampoline accessible to wheelchair users as well as some equipment that is accessible but not for all.

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for Recreation, said invaluable feedback was provided in the consultation and in response the council is ‘looking to provide’ an additional item of fully wheelchair accessible equipment.

She said: “We remain eager to continue to listen to feedback from a range of users for our sites and to ensure these conversations aid our ongoing ambition to improving our playground offer for as wide of range of abilities as we can.”

Alice Carter, a trustee of Reading Families Forum, said there had been ‘a gap in understanding of what accessible means’ but has welcomed the council’s response to feedback and its promise to provide more accessible equipment in the future.

It is anticipated that the work will start on site in September and ready for use by the half term week in October.

Save ERAPA campaigner John Hoggett said: “I am pleased that RBC is eager to listen to feedback from a range of users for their sites and look forward  to attending the access forum on June 27 with others from Save ERAPA to provide RBC with further feedback.”

The existing play area will be closed while the refurbishment is undertaken.

Cllr Rowland added: “One of our priorities in improving our playgrounds is to provide high quality equipment that strives to achieve the best possible levels of inclusive play.

“The Ivydene play area is a designated ‘local equipped area of play’ and as such was never intended to be a site designated to deliver 100% wheelchair accessible equipment.

“However, we are delighted that the winning design from Kompan for Ivydene, delivers positively on this aspect.

“The new playground is designed for toddlers and children up to the age of twelve years and provides a range of equipment for children of all abilities.”