New playgrounds under threat

An important scheme to bring new and improved play areas to Manchester is under threat following cuts being made by central government.

Manchester's Playbuilder project was launched last year to create or improve 22 play areas across the city over two years.

With 50 percent of the projects already completed, it looks as though the remaining 11 could now be in jeopardy following indications from the Department of Education that funding may be cut for all year two projects.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure said: "This is very disappointing for families in the city. We have worked hard to put parks back at the heart of the community and to create better places for children to play. It is so important for their well-being to have safe and challenging environments in which to play and this is what Playbuilder was helping us to achieve. It will be a real shame if the remainder of the projects are unable to go ahead, taking away a level of freedom and independence that is so vital to children's growth and development."

An important part of the Playbuilder project has been to involve children and young people in a meaningful way. Manchester City Council has been consulting with local children from schools and play schemes, listening to how they like to play and what they want to see in their parks with designs being inclusive, encouraging adventurous play, and appealing to both boys and girls.

One project, which has been well received is a new play area in St Mary's Park in Moss Side, which was the first to be completed. Since it opened earlier this year it has provided much needed space for children in the area to spend time outdoors, with their friends, in a safe and fun environment.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's executive member for children's services said: "The completed projects have proved extremely popular, not least because we have listened directly to children about what they want and need. To be unable to deliver on our promises to them is extremely hard and I can only hope that the government will review their decision to provide much needed play facilities in some of the most deprived wards in the city."

Pending projects currently at risk are new or improved play areas in Barracks Street Park in Hulme, Harpurhey Park, Bellot Street Park in Cheetham Hill, Hollyhedge Park in Sharston, Queens Park in Harpurhey, Sunnybrow Park in Gorton, Moss Side Park, Hewlett Johnson Park in Clayton, Smedley Lane Park in Cheetham, Southwich Road Park in Brooklands and Chapel Street in Gorton.