Plan for Play

Lib Dem led BCP Council’s Plan for Play is delivering repairs, improvements and major refurbishments to more than 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The multi-year project will see more than £4.6 million invested in play spaces – made up of an initial £3.9 million allocation, and subsequent successful grant applications.

In Newtown and Heatherlands, local Lib Dem councillors, Millie Earl, Marion Le Poidevin and Sandra Mackrow have worked hard to secure funding for local play areas.

Lib Dem Councillor Millie Earl said: “High-quality and accessible play areas are so important for helping children stay active, have fun and make lasting memories”.

"Growing up in Parkstone, I have happy memories of playing at Uppleby Road, Alexandra Park and even remember when there was a play park at Sea View”.

"Every child deserves the same chances today. That’s why Sandra, Marion and I have fought for £500,000 to be spent on getting better play areas for children and young people across our area.”

In Wallisdown and Winton West, local Lib Dem Councillors Olivia and Rich promised to fight for investment in Slades Farm, and now that promise is being delivered with new swings and important maintenance works.

Bournemouth Town Council now has access to funding that could help speed up more improvements across local parks and open spaces. Olivia and Rich will be fighting to make sure Slades Farm gets its fair share.

Cllr Olivia Brown said, “We know how much residents value Slades Farm, and we will keep pushing for the investment it deserves.”

In West Southbourne, local Lib Dem councillor Jeff Hanna successfully pushed for upgrades to Beaufort Play Park with new swings, safer play surfaces and repaired equipment.

Jeff Hanna said, “Under the Conservative administration Bournemouth’s play areas were allowed to get worse and worse. The Liberal Democrats on BCP council have been working hard to fix the damage left by the Conservatives, by investing money back into our play areas, so that they are safer for everyone.

”There is more we'd like to see in the future, including improvements to the wider play area and basketball court. We'll continue working with residents to campaign for further investment."

And in East Southbourne, thanks to Councillor Bernadette Nanovo’s efforts in ensuring that available funding was spent where it was needed, a lovely new seesaw has been installed at Seafield Gardens Play Park.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for play strategy, said: “Plan for Play is a fantastic example of how the Council can work alongside passionate community groups to deliver real and lasting improvements”.