Squawk pirates play attraction sails in

A spaghetti tangle of ‘Pieces of Eight’ red coloured metalwork rising at Llanelli’s North Dock is arresting a good deal of attention.

The 18ft high pirates’ crew cabin and crows’ nest climbing frame and other maritime themed play things are being assembled in a magnificent and long awaited £106,000 playing area at the entrance to the Millennium Coastal Park.

The cash for the play area has been provided through Section 106 monies provided by the adjacent Millennium Quays North Dock development.

The park will be open in early March well in time for the Easter rush and is being welcomed by North Dock businesses to help boost visitor numbers.

Around the spectacular climbing frame there will be spring loaded playing items including sharks, an octopus and dolphins and other nautically themed items all in a secure fenced off area alongside the main public car park.

Manager of the North Dock ice cream kiosk Angela Edwards said: “There has been a huge demand for this facility for years. It is going to be tremendously popular and add another dimension to the North Dock and Millennium Coastal Park.”

Manager of Flanagan’s Coastline Cafe at the Discovery Centre Gill Sterling said: “We have got the beach, some of the best views and sunsets imaginable and now a new play area coming together that will be the envy of all.”

Carmarthenshire executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said the park was able to be provided because of the tight planning conditions allowing a feature to benefit and complement the immediate environs of the Millennium Quays.

“The North Dock already attracts families in huge numbers throughout the year,” she said. “The innovative park and its design is sure to be a major new attraction for young families on the coast and a valuable additional asset for the park.”