Children and families across South Tyneside are set to benefit from improved play facilities after the Council secured £270,000 of Government funding to improve three local playgrounds.
The funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will be used to enhance play facilities at Dacre Street and St Marks Way in South Shields, and Lukes Lane in Hebburn.
The three sites were identified through the funding criteria set by MHCLG, which targets investment on areas where improvements can have the greatest impact for local children and families. In determining its proposals, the Council also took account of other planned investment programmes to ensure funding is targeted where it will deliver the greatest overall benefit across the Borough.
By investing in these locations, the Council aims to enhance play opportunities for children and families while supporting healthier, more active communities.
Councillor Karen Pittuck, Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this funding, which will allow us to improve three playgrounds and provide enhanced play opportunities for children and families across South Tyneside.
“Play areas are important community assets. They help children stay active, support their health and wellbeing, encourage social interaction and provide opportunities for families to spend time together outdoors.
“This investment will enable us to enhance facilities at Dacre Street, Lukes Lane and St Marks Way, creating more attractive, accessible and enjoyable places to play.
“These improvements forms part of our wider programme of enhancements to parks and play areas across the Borough, helping to ensure local children have access to high-quality play spaces close to where they live.”
South Tyneside is one of 66 local authorities across the country selected to receive a share of the Government funding, which aims to improve playground provision in areas of need and create better opportunities for children and young people to play, be active and socialise.
The fund also seeks to improve the quality, accessibility and inclusivity of local playgrounds while encouraging councils to work with local communities to help shape future play facilities.
The Council successfully secured the funding following a submission to MHCLG and will deliver the improvements over the next two years.
Further details about the planned improvements at each site will be announced in due course.
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