Investing to improve communities is child’s play

Leeds City Council is investing £190,000 to improve play facilities across the city.



Five communities have successfully bid for a slice of £3 million funding set aside to help improve housing estates.



Each community will receive the money, alongside match funding already raised and funds from Housing Advisory Panels, to put in place skate parks, play areas and multi-use games areas.



Councillor Peter Gruen, executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said:



“By working closely with communities, we can help them achieve their aspirations.



“We want to enable local people to build truly sustainable communities and this funding will not only help bring about improvements to the look and feel of housing estates, but it will improve the quality of lives for residents.”



Councillor Judith Blake, executive member for children and families, said:



“Play is an important part of growing up and these communities have identified a need for facilities to allow children to have fun and encourage young people to be active.



“Children themselves have told us that they want places and spaces to play, in all areas and open to all.



“By helping communities to put in place the facilities they want and need we’re taking another positive step to becoming a child friendly city.”



In June 2014, Executive Board agreed to allocate £3 million of Housing Revenue Account funds to deliver environmental improvement projects to improve the quality of council housing estates.



A total of 105 bids were received totalling £6.85 million and funds have been allocated based on delivering as many schemes as possible that contribute to the council’s priorities with an even spread across the city and input from ward members.



Councillor Gruen added:



“With contributions being made to a multi-use games and play area in Rothwell, skate parks in Middleton and Horsforth and an informal area in Middleton Park, we’re investing in the right priorities for these communities and what is important to local people.”



For media enquiries please contact:

Amanda Burns, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1577

email: amanda.l.burns@leeds.gov.uk



ENDS