Communities are being consulted about plans to revamp 16 play parks across the Bath area.

The Play Pathfinder sites are among 28 which will be worked on by Bath and North East Somerset Council using a Government cash injection of £2.5 million.

The council says the sites have been selected after applications from parish councils and local community groups.

A spokesman said: "The views of the local communities, including children and young people, will be gathered in the coming months and will be used to help inform how each play facility is improved."

The authority has been criticised for not consulting enough over the first 12 sites, where work will be complete next month.

But council cabinet member for children's services Cllr Chris Watt (Con, Midsomer Norton, Redfield) added: "This phase of the project will see local communities in the driving seat. This council is committed to supporting parish councils and other community groups in delivering for their local communities and this project demonstrates this."

The successful Community Play Rangers scheme is also being developed as part of the package.

Among the sites that will benefit from investment will be Kensington Meadows off London Road, which will have £40,000 spent on it.

Local councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Walcot) said he wanted local residents to let him know their views.

He said: "The funding is aimed at eight to 13-year-olds, and we want to involve as many young people as possible in developing ideas."

The play area at Timsbury Recreation Field will receive an allocation of £15,000 to improve provision.

The field is run by the Conygre Trust, whose chairman Peter Buchanan said: "I am delighted that we will be able to improve the play facilities at Timsbury Rec and we are looking forward to working with local children. They are the users of the area and their views are vital to the success of this project."

For more information about the Play Pathfinder project, email fis@bathnes.gov.uk, phone 08000 731214 or see the website www.bathnes.gov.uk.