City play areas to be improved with grant funding

1 hour ago

Emma PetrieEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Money has been allocated from the government's Playground Fund (stock photo)

Getty/Alix Minde/PhotoAlto A boy and two girls are sliding down a blue slide on a purpose built cushioned floor. — Money has been allocated from the government's Playground Fund (stock photo)

Three play areas in Lincoln are to be improved following a government funding grant.

City of Lincoln Council said it had been awarded £270,000 from the government's Playground Fund, which aims to improve access to playgrounds in areas of greatest need.

The authority said the money will be used to improve The Backies in Moorland, King George V Playing Field in Glebe and Sudbrooke Drive Recreation Area in Minster.

Rebecca Longbottom from the council said local communities will be consulted so that the improvements "reflect what each area actually needs", and the work will take place between May and December 2027.

Catherine is smiling in the photo. A new born baby is being held on the right side of her and shops can be seen in the background. — Catherine Webster was please to hear parks will be improved

The council said its play area funding project team was also seeking approval for additional funding of £278,235 to improve sites at The Lawn and Nene Road.

The authority said if this funding was approved by the council's executive on Tuesday, they also expected work on those sites to take place between May and December 2027.

Catherine Webster was really pleased to hear that parks within the city are to be improved.

"I think as a parent, you always want really good playgrounds for your children - play equipment that's not damaged.

"You see a lot of things broken and that aren't fixed," she said.

Dave is smiling for the photo in the sunshine outside a pub outdoor seating area. — Dace Furmane thinks the upgrades will be a lot better for children

Dace Furmane, who has a newborn son, thinks the upgrades will be a lot better for children.

"I think it's an absolutely brilliant idea", she said.

The council said good-quality, safe and accessible spaces were important for families and children.

"We want these improvements to create spaces that local communities can be proud of and that children of all abilities can enjoy," Longbottom said.

"We'll be listening to the residents, children, schools and community groups that want to get involved as the plans are developed, so that the improvements reflect what each area actually needs."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices