Half-million pound boost for borough’s play areas

Children’s play areas across the borough are to be improved under a half-million pound improvement plan.

Members of Bury Council’s cabinet have approved the proposal, after a condition survey revealed that up to 25 play areas were in need of repair or refurbishment due to wear and tear and in some cases vandalism.

Half of the money is coming from a capital fund set up especially for this purpose at the council’s budget meeting earlier this year, and the other half from money received from developers through the planning system (known as Section 106 money).

Councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We want toprovide play areas that are safe, welcoming, well maintained and locally accessible. Play is a fundamental part of childhood development through formal and informal learning and in community settings through the use of public open spaces.”

The following play areas have been prioritised and will be refurbished or improved following a full condition survey (by township forum area):

Whitefield and Unsworth: Victoria Park, Whitefield Park and Parr Lane play areas

Prestwich: Gardner Mount, Kershaw Avenue and Bailey Street play areas

Bury East: Hoyles Park, New Kershaw, Clarence Park, Openshaw Park and Manchester Road Park play areas

Ramsbottom/Tottington/North Manor: Sycamore Road, Hartley Gardens, Booth Street (Trafford), Nuttall Park, Bolton Road West, Peel Brow and Whalley Road play areas

Radcliffe: Duke Street (Ainsworth), Bradley Fold, KGV Outwood, Hollinhurst and Young Street play areas

Bury West: Wellington Barracks and Purbeck Drive play areas.

Works at Parr Lane, Whalley Road and Young Street have already started for health and safety reasons. All other play area works will be ongoing during 2015/16.

ENDS

Press release issued: 22 June 2015.