A park is set to get new play equipment after the community group which fought for it raised tens of thousands of pounds to fund improvements.

New swings, a fixed track ride and spinner bowl are set to be installed at Belah Park in Carlisle next month after determined residents, who formed the group Belah Sparks, raised about £33,000 to ensure their children had somewhere safe to play. The rejuvenated play area will also feature a multi-play unit, with a net climber and slide, a seesaw and dinosaur spring rocker.

Carlisle City Council identified the play area for removal as part of a cost-cutting review to strip some parks of 20-year-old equipment that was coming to the end of its useful life and beginning to cost too much to maintain.

But after 1,000 people signed a petition calling on the council to rethink its decision, the authority agreed play equipment would remain if the community raised enough to install and maintain new attractions.

Gareth Ellis, city councillor for Belah and chairman of Belah Sparks, said a lot of work had gone into the project.

“We had our ups and downs as I suppose every project does. It looks fantastic on the diagrams compared to what we have.

“The facilities had been there a long time. It was very outdated but it was actually quite well-used.”

Some of the equipment, including a climbing unit and spring rocker, was removed in July 2015.

Work to removed the swings that were left and put in the new equipment is planned for mid-March.

The authority will carry out weekly inspections, small maintenance repairs and an independent annual inspection.

Larger repairs will have to be met by Belah Sparks.

A council spokeswoman said: “Belah play area had been identified for removal as part of our play area review but due to local opposition, we agreed that the play area could remain if the community group could raise the funds to install and maintain the equipment.

“The group have been successful in raising just over £30,000.

“The tendering process was carried out by the city council with Belah Sparks making the final decision on who won the tender.”

Funds were raised through grant applications and a fun day.

The project was supported by Belah Community Centre, Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council.

Chris Southward, environment and transport spokesman, said: “I am delighted that work will soon start on the improved Belah play area.

“Working with the Belah Sparks group, our green spaces team has drawn together an exciting new development, one that will provide benefits for the community.”

Elsewhere a memorial garden in the city has been shortlisted for a funding initiative to enhance it.

Eden Valley Hospice’s Garden of Memories in Bitts Park is among the local projects in the running for a grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help, which generates cash for community projects concerning open spaces through the sale of 5p carrier bags.

This month shoppers can vote for their favourite projects in local stores by putting a token in the box of their choice.

The Garden of Memories project needs money for resurfacing works to improve access.