PLANS to transform a Chepstow playground left without new equipment for decades could move forward if an agreement over the land lease can be reached.

Friends of the Dell Park Chepstow (FDPC) have been campaigning for two years to raise awareness about the park’s current state and to try and secure funding for improvements.

The group have been told they would have to raise £100,000 to improve the playground and had researched several potential funding sources.

However, the plans hit a stumbling block when it was discovered a lease on the land, owned by the Denny family, had lapsed and negotiations on the lease are ongoing.

Clare Adams, the FDPC chairperson, claims that grants bodies are turned off by a lack of a “secure and lengthy” lease between Monmouthshire County Council and the landowners.

“To move forward, all parties have to get around the negotiating table and fix this sticking point with the lease," said Mrs Adams.

“With issues out in the open, we are keen for things to be resolved in the interests of this asset that the town holds dear.”

Both the council and the landowner, Sir Charles Denny, of Standish, Gloucestershire, have expressed support for the project.

A council spokesman said: “The council is supportive of the group’s desire to upgrade the Castle Dell play area. However, the land on which the Castle Dell play area stands is the subject of a long term lease with a private landlord which is currently holding over.

“It is the council’s responsibility to its taxpayers to obtain the best possible terms in any new agreement.”

Carolyn Denny, wife of Sir Denny, told the Free Press: “He is fully in support that the group have put forward but there just needs to be looked at a little more in detail.”

A public consultation by the group found that nearly all of those interviewed – 98 per cent – think the park should be updated, while 70 per cent are unhappy with access and equipment for disabled people.

Furthermore, 66 per cent feel there is a lack of play equipment for toddlers and a further 84 per cent feel the same regarding facilities for teenagers.

A ‘Design A Park’ competition held by FDPC saw local children submit their own designs, with the winning ideas being drawn up and priced by park designers.

Mrs Adams said: “We talk a lot about antisocial behaviour yet we neglect to give teenagers safe places to meet.

“Following the closure of the Central Kaff in Chepstow, there is now nowhere for youth to ‘hang out’.

“Likewise, the Dell playground is not family-friendly or exciting enough for people to come to Chepstow to spend a day here.

“Chepstow is not currently on the map when it comes to spending leisure time in green spaces; people tend to travel to find a decent park.”

She added: “We are potentially losing out on a lot of tourist trade simply because our park is so underwhelming.