Government funding of up to £270,000 has been granted for Thanet for three new playgrounds in the district.
The money, an extension of Pride in Place funding, is part of an £18m allocation to 66 councils across the country and must be used to improve or create playgrounds in areas that are most in need. It will be provided over the next two financial years, a period which begins next month.
The government says areas with the highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play were chosen, to ensure money goes to places that need it most.
Thanet council leader Cllr Rick Everitt said: “This is great news for children and parents in Thanet. We are already investing in a programme of improvements for our children’s playgrounds and I was delighted to attend the formal opening of one in Newington recently.
“Playgrounds are a great free resource for parents and if well designed they can play a big role in helping young children to develop their skills and strength.
“It is areas with the most deprivation that suffered most from public spending cuts under the Tories. This money will allow us to invest further in those communities. We will work closely with local people to ensure that we create the right facilities in the right places.”
East Thanet Labour MP Polly Billington added: “Our local Labour council in Thanet is already doing fantastic work revitalising our parks and public spaces, so this funding from the government for three new playgrounds in our area is a huge boost to that effort.”
Beacon Road ward councillor Joanne Bright (Lab) said: “Access to play is essential to children’s health and well-being. I am proud that Labour at Thanet District Council has prioritised improvements to our local parks and open spaces.
“St Peter’s Rec in my ward has benefitted from new goalposts, new benches, an outdoor gym and new lighting. I am thrilled to hear that Thanet will now be receiving £270k funding to improve even more of our parks.”
Secretary of State Steve Reed said: “This government will be relentless in giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild. From new playgrounds to better high streets, people across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas.”
Locations for the playgrounds have not yet been revealed.
There have been plenty of other councillors from all political parties that have encouraged this, guese it does not count unless you vote for them tho right?????
Millmead Road play area ,needs re doing it’s disgusting,and boring.please sort this one
Well Caxton Road Garlinge should be at the top, this playing field gets sod all ,can’t remember when any refurbishment was done.