Play areas set to be transformed with new funds

Work to improve a number of play areas across Cambridgeshire is under way after a council secured funding for its plans.

Fenland District Council wants to invest £1.5m Pride in Place funds into play areas with a further £240,000 from the Playground Fund, ring-fenced by the government for Wisbech.

Following public input into the proposals, improvements are planned for a number of towns and villages including Chatteris, March and Whittlesey.

While some work has already started, the council said most would be completed before the end of next year.

In Chatteris, improving lighting at Furrowfields and Wenny Road recreation grounds is planned, while in March, new equipment is planned for a number of the town's play areas.

In Whittlesey, new lighting, seating areas and play equipment are on the cards.

Investment is also planned for play areas in Christchurch, Doddington, Elm, Leverington, Manea, Murrow, Newton in the Isle, Tydd St Giles and Wimblington.

Not all of the play areas are owned by the council, therefore agreements must be reached with landowners.

The council said in some cases proposals may be subject to a tender process, planning approval or other regulations being met.

Sidney Imafidon, portfolio holder for the council's Fenland Inspire! open spaces and play area project, said: "The investment into Fenland parks is extremely exciting.

"Some of the schemes are more ambitious than others, but we know... they'll all make a difference at a very local level to people who use these areas."

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