Extra cash keeps play schemes on track

Earlier in the summer there were concerns that funding for the Playbuilder scheme would be scrapped as part of the Government's spending cuts.

But the Department for Education has now confirmed it will give North Lincolnshire Council all the money it needs to complete the scheme.

So far 11 new play areas have been completed in North Lincolnshire as part of Playbuilder and hundreds of people of all ages are making the most of them. The council should now be able to start work on 12 more play areas now that funding for the project is secure.

Deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council Coun Len Foster said the council had made a compelling case, adding : "We're one of only two councils in the Yorkshire and Humber region and one of just 20 nationally to secure 100 per cent of our Playbuilder funding from the Government.

"We've secured this money because of the professionalism, expertise and commitment of our officers and the Playbuilder Board members.

"They worked with determination to submit a compelling case for North Lincolnshire that was simply above challenge.

"I said we would fight for this funding when the Government announced in July that the scheme was under threat.

"This is one less cut for the people of North Lincolnshire to worry about and I'm delighted that we will soon be able to crack on with the new play areas and give more areas the amenities they deserve."

The funding of 593,382 is intended for projects in Burringham, Crowle, Keadby, Winteringham, Baysgarth Park, Barton, and Winterton and six in Scunthorpe.