ÃÂ£1m for Northumberland play areas

Posted by Kim Carmichael on Oct 7, 08 12:37 PM in News

Children in Northumberland are to get new and improved facilities for play, after a successful bid for ÃÂ£1m of Government funding.

Northumberland County Council is one of 43 local authorities chosen by Government to become a 'PlayBuilder' authority and be granted additional funding.

play area

The local authority will receive ÃÂ£1.1million over three years from the Department of Children, Schools and Families to transform and create 20 to 25 play areas countywide.

The money will help improve and develop free play areas for children aged 8 to13 years.

Coun Simon Reed, executive member for children's services, said: "It is fantastic news for Northumberland families that our bid for this funding has been successful. We'll be using the money to ensure parents have the confidence to encourage children to play independently and enjoy stimulating environments in their communities.

"The focus for the new developments will be on providing natural play spaces that make use of the natural elements and present opportunities for children to experience challenges that are essential in their self-development."

Nine projects will be delivered across the county in the first year of the PlayBuilder programme.

Adrian Voce, director of Play England, said: "The challenge of opening up public spaces for play is huge. The proposed steps should put children at the heart of their communities - not rhetorically, but physically, out playing where they belong."

Expressions of interest for projects for the second year will be invited by the end of 2008. The emphasis will be on projects to be delivered by the voluntary and community sector.

For further information contact Jan Casson on 01668 283372.

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