COUNCILLORS have secured funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) for much-needed improvements to children’s play areas.

Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward councillors, Michael Westbrook and Jack Cousens, applied for a grant from the borough council’s Local Infrastructure Fund (LIF) to help bring the the play areas in Cordale Road and Culver Road up to date.

The councillors have been working with their residents to determine how best to make improvements to the areas they serve.

After carrying out a survey with residents, Cllr Westbrook and Cllr Cousens found the two play areas needed a little “TLC”.

Cllr Westbrook said: “The project seeks to meet a deficiency in play provision to the south of the ward and aims to improve that provision for local residents, families and children.

“Local families told us that the play area in Cordale Road has seen little development in over 30 years, Jack and I wanted to put that right.”

Cllr Westbrook added: “The play area in Cordale Road, is in much need of a little bit of TLC, for example there is a space there where a swing used to be, but it had to be removed as it wasn’t being maintained properly, therefore it wasn’t safe.”

The LIF funding is provided by the borough council to allow communities to work with their local ward councillors to identify community infrastructure needs and apply for funding for projects that would make the most difference for local residents.

The borough council is able to grant funding from £3,000 up to £200,000 which will support projects that improve existing or establish new facilities for community, sport, education or public amenity use.

Cllr Westbrook added: “We had spoken to families who said that these were facilities which we should be looking at to improve, as throughout the ward we have young families who want to take advantage of a good quality play area.”

A public consultation will be held in the near future with Brookvale and Kings Furlong residents over what they would like to see included in the play area's designs.

To find out more about the LIF grant scheme or to apply for a grant visit basingstoke.gov.uk or e-mail lif@basingstoke.gov.uk for more information.