While the weather may have cleared up recently, work to transform the play area on Chase Farm Estate in Lindford has been delayed by last month’s persistent rain.

Contractors had begun dismantling outdated play equipment and excavating the existing wet-pour surface before soggy conditions brought construction to a temporary stop.

Parish councillors opted for full removal rather than simply overlaying new material, aiming to improve drainage and create a more durable, long-lasting surface for the new playground.

Parish Clerk Katie Dorans said the team “have so far removed all of the old equipment and started to dig out the area ready for the membrane to be put down.

“Due to the extremely poor weather … work has slowed down,” she added.

She said the team hoped to return this month as long as the good weather held up.

Despite the delay, council officials remain optimistic about the benefits once the redevelopment is complete.

They said the upgraded layout, carefully budgeted to include full wetpour removal, is designed to resolve the ongoing drainage issues that have affected the play area in the past.

The playground overhaul forms part of a much-anticipated community project that has been in the works for months.

In January, Lindford Parish Council announced plans for a “six-figure transformation” of the site.

The work will centre on a castle-inspired play structure dubbed the “Massive Chase Farm Castle”, featuring towers, climbing nets, a rock wall and expanded elements including swings, bouncing plates and toddler-friendly equipment.

Funding for the makeover combines contributions from several sources, including Lindford Summer Fete fundraisers, the East Hampshire District Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and a National Lottery grant.

Work is expected to resume in early March if conditions improve, with a revised completion timeline to be confirmed once construction restarts.