Youngsters set to benefit from playground improvement plan

The latest improvements are the final phase of a scheme to refurbish 22 playgrounds in the borough under the three-year Department for Children, Schools and Families "Play Builder" programme.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Calderdale Council's community services portfolio holder, said: "This project is great news for children across Calderdale and provides a further boost to our ambitious plans to provide top-class, modern play facilities.

"With childhood obesity and inactivity at an all-time high, we believe it's more important than ever to encourage children to get active and have the chance to play outdoors in a safe, fun and exciting environment."

The playgrounds which will benefit from the improvements are: Ainley Top Recreation Ground, Ainley Top, Elland; Conway Street Park, Halifax; Copley Recreation Ground, Copley; Dodd Naze, Hebden Bridge; Longfield, Todmorden; Lane Head, Brighouse; Pellon Recreation Ground, Pellon and Beechwood Avenue, Sowerby Bridge.

Calderdale Council will consult local residents before finalising the refurbishment plans.

After a competitive bidding process, Calderdale was named one of 44 "Play Builder" authorities in 2008.

The borough is receiving 1,171,000 in funding as part of the Government's Children's Plan, under which 235m is being allocated over the three-year programme to build or upgrade more than 3,500 playgrounds nationwide.

The Project is sets out to provide naturalistic and challenging areas for children between eight and 13 years old.

Since 2008, a total of six play areas have been refurbished under the scheme.

A further six are due to open in March: Beech Recreational Ground, Sowerby Bridge; Clay House, Greetland; Meadow Bottom, Todmorden; Mount Tabor and Roils Head in north Halifax and Scout Road, Luddendenfoot.

People have until the end of February to comment on the plans and making their views known to Calderdale Council – by emailing [email protected] or calling 01422 393215.