Lottery funds play projects for Wirral

8:40am Monday 25th August 2008

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NEARLY a million pounds of lottery money has been awarded to fund seven play projects across Wirral.

The £881,208 of BIG lottery money will be allocated over three years and will mean that hundreds of Wirral children and young people will have greater access to play.

The projects include an extensive community play ranger scheme that will provide outreach play sessions in parts of Wirral where no formal opportunities currently exist.

There will be a development of four adventure and nature play areas that will incorporate natural landscapes and new fixed play equipment.

It is estimated that nearly 15,000 young people aged five to 16 years will benefit from the new play projects and facilities.

As part of the project’s development the council and representatives from a range of statutory and voluntary agencies consulted with over 1,000 children through surveys, focus groups and schools.

The children highlighted a number of issues including safer routes to play and the need to feel safe in their play space with the support of qualified staff and more access to local play facilities including the use of local schools for play and play schemes which are open all year round.

Welcoming the big lottery boost Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral Council’s Play Champion said: “This money means that more children and young people will be able to access free play and socialise with friends on their doorstep.

“Children need space to play in the community and play is nature’s training for life which is essential for a healthy and happy childhood. I am delighted with Wirral’s successful bid for lottery funding.”