Chorley play areas set for major investment (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley play areas set for major investment

3:42pm Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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A NUMBER of new play areas are to be created and existing ones improved across the borough following a £300,000 investment from Chorley Council.

The projects include £30,000 for a new skate park in Euxton, £51,000 for new equipment and surfacing at the South Road play area, in Bretherton, £37,000 for a refurbishment of Mawdesley village play area and £21,000 for the creation of a wetland memorial garden at Chorley Cemetery.

Members of the council’s executive cabinet are set to approve the schemes at their meeting on Thursday (September 2).

If approved the money will be funded through the council’s play and recreation fund, which is made up of ‘section 106’ contributions.

Councillor Peter Malpas, who oversees planning on the executive cabinet, explained: “When developers come along and build extra housing they may have to make financial contributions to meet any needs arising from the new development.

“This could be for highway improvements, open space or community facilities, depending on what they’re building and how it affects the immediate area.

“The agreement made for this is called a section 106 agreement.

“The play and recreation fund takes some of that money and makes sure it goes towards play facilities and areas in the borough.”

Parish and town councils and community groups were invited to bid for money through the fund in December last year.

A total of 20 applications were made, totalling more than £400,000.

Councillor Malpas said: “There are going to be a lot of improvements to individual play areas across the borough if these recommendations are agreed, and that’s great news.”