From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>
Date: 14 May 2014 11:06
Subject: New play area now up and running
To: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>
Cc:
New play area now up and running
14/05/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
Photocall –4.30pm Monday 19th May, Hexham Road play area
A £70k revamp of a popular play park and ball games area has been completed thanks to investment from Reading Borough Council.
The work at Hexham Road play area has been funded two thirds from the Council’s Decent Neighbourhoods Fund and one third by the Parks Department. Youngsters can now enjoy new equipment including a basket swing and two new pieces of climbing equipment. Contractors have also laid fresh tarmac on the ball court and installed new goals. The court can now be used for football and basket ball.
The Decent Neighbourhood Fund was set up by the council’s Housing Service in 2009 and is aimed at improving local neighbourhood estate areas and improving the quality of life of people living there. The money comes from rental income received from tenants and the housing team works closely with local residents to find out what they want to improve their areas. Previous initiatives include landscaping, painting, lighting and new parking bays.
Capital investment from the Parks Department is from contributions to local leisure facilities made from local development. The Parks Team has also been responsible for design and project management.
Richard Davies, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: “The refurbishment of this local park is a fantastic example of how the community can get involved in improving their area in partnership with the council through the Decent Neighbourhoods Fund. Getting more people involved in sports and outdoor activities is a council aim so provision of both football and basketball facilities is a great outcome.”
Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, said: “I’m very pleased this revamp has been completed and now offers a fantastic space where local youngsters can play and take part in sport. It’s bound to be a big hit with them during the up coming summer holidays.”
ENDS
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Notes for Editors:
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/
Media Contact: Sally Moore
Tel:
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