Wiltshire play parks could be set for upgrades

The Council's allocated over £600,000 for rural spots

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 31st May 2024

More than £600,000 is being set aside by Wiltshire Council to help improve play parks in rural areas.

The authority has 24 play areas across the county that they're hoping local communities and parish councils will take on and run themselves, with the extra funding.

That includes sites in Netheravon, Collingbourne Ducis, Winterslow, Redlynch and Upavon.

There's now a call for groups to apply for funding to make improvements and take responsibility for the parks.

Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Assets, said:

“We know just how important staying active is to children’s learning, development and growth, which is why we’re investing £603,000 into improving rural play areas throughout the county.

“We are writing to all rural parish councils that currently have a Wiltshire Council play area to offer them the opportunity to improve the facility using these funds, and then to take on the running of the park through an asset transfer agreement.

“This has the dual benefit of upgrading these play areas with brand new equipment, while also enabling local communities, through their parish council, to have more say on how these play areas are run in the future to ensure they reflect the needs of the people who live there.

“We know that many parish councils would like to take on these play areas, and this additional funding will put them in the best position to do so.”

The council has previously transferred more than 100 play areas to local communities.

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