BUSINESSES have been asked to ‘dig deep’ to finance the £500,000 refurbishment of the Saumarez Park playground.

Detailed plans for the site were revealed at a meeting yesterday at which deputy Environment minister Jenny Tasker started an appeal for funds.

‘I sincerely hope you will be as excited as I am about the project because it gives children the opportunity to use their imagination and play with others in a safe environment,’ she said.

Once built, the Environment Department will pay for the maintenance of the new playground but the £500,000 cost of putting it up will have to come from private donations.

• Anyone interested in making a donation to the scheme should contact the Environment Department on 717200 or email Janice.dockerill@gov.gg or andrew.mccutcheon@gov.gg.