A LONG-AWAITED children’s play area has finally opened — four years behind schedule.

Families living on the Middlebrook View estate in Lostock were promised by developer Persimmon Homes that the nearby play park would be completed in 2013, but have faced years of frustration as they waited for legal issues surrounding the land to be resolved.

And although the site went unused for another summer, councillors say they are relieved to finally see it completed.

Cllr Stephen Pickup said: “Over the last few years I have been liaising with Persimmon Homes about a number of issues on the estate on behalf of residents. One of the biggest gripes has been the play area, which has quite understandably left residents very frustrated.

“One parent said to me that having a play area on the doorstep but being unable to use it was akin to her children being able to view all the sweets in a sweet shop, but not being able to have any.

“The playground is a fantastic facility, with a good number of pieces of play equipment and I am pleased that the many families on the estate are now finally able to make use of it.”

Construction began on the play area, in Harrier Close, last year and fencing around the site has now finally been removed.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe added: “I completely understand the frustrations of local residents, especially as it has been completed at the end of summer.

“I do hope we experience many dry days during the winter months for the local children to enjoy this fantastic new play area.”