A LONG-AWAITED play park is one step closer after planning permission for new children’s equipment was granted.

Fundraisers in Edern have raised vast sums of money through Christmas parades, duck races and fashion shows in a bid to open a new play park for the village’s children.

Edern used to enjoy a play park but it closed down six years ago due to health and safety concerns, sparking a long-term campaign to restore a children’s recreational area for the local youngsters.

At present, the nearest play park is in Morfa Nefyn, a 20-minute walk away along a busy road.

Gwynedd councillor Sian Hughes, who has been on the Edern Playing Field Committee since its conception, was thrilled that work was progressing.

“All I would like to say is thanks to all of the Edern Playing Field Committee for their hard work and determination to get to this stage,” she said to the Cambrian News.

“Getting the planning application approved is such positive news, and will aid us in gaining further grants to see the finished project.

“It will be fantastic for the children of Edern and the surrounding area to have a playing field in the village once again since the closure of the old one in 2012.”

The playing field has already benefitted from a new fence, picnic tables and a pathway all­owing access for everyone.

The latest planning permission allows for a climbing frame, swings, a ‘board rider’, a see-saw and a roundabout.