£1m cashpot to transform play areas

Community and voluntary groups are being urged to bid for a slice of £1 million of funding to transform play areas across the county.

So far there have been eight successful applicants. All were nominated during phase one of the project and include Redwood Park in Burntwood and St Barbara's Play Area in Handsacre, near Rugeley. Redwood Park has been granted money to remove and upgrade the existing park equipment to provide a more contemporary play experience.

The revamp has been designed in consultation with local youngsters, parents and residents and will benefit up to 700 users as part of a wider refurbishment of the area.

In Handsacre, St Barbara's Play Area has been granted money to replace equipment which has been in place for many years, benefiting around 250 children.

Another successful bid was made in Kinver, South Staffordshire, where funding from Playbuilder will be used to build the bike park, which will go alongside a skate park.

The application, put in by members of Kinver Action group is part of a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

Eventually, 25 play areas will be developed for eight to 13-year-olds across the county. The sites can be a combination of new and refurbished play areas and will be selected through an open proposals process.

The play areas cannot be on school sites. Expressions of interest are required by 12 noon on November 28.

The deadline for 2009/10 applications is March 13 next year.

County councillor Peter Beresford said today: "Having a local play area which is safe, clean and well-maintained really benefits a community."

For information on applying visit the Playbuilder website at www.stafford shire.gov.uk/play