Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is committing more than £1.8 million to improve parks, playgrounds and green spaces across the borough over the next five years. The investment, drawn from Section 106 agreements with housing developers, will fund projects in around a dozen communities.
Work is already underway at Lyme Valley Park, Chesterton Park and Bradwell Dingle. Further improvements are planned for Loggerheads, Betley, Audley, Madeley and Alsagers Bank.
What the money will fund
Projects include modern playground equipment, improved footpaths, new pump tracks and recreational facilities. The Council is using developer contributions to improve existing council-owned parks and green spaces, keeping additional ongoing costs to a minimum.
One scheme being considered by Cabinet this month is a £105,000 refurbishment of the playground at Hugo Way in Loggerheads. The playground was first built around 20 years ago. Residents will be consulted on the improvements they would like to see before the scheme goes out to tender.
Councillor Andrew Fisher, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods, said: "We are making sure that money secured from developers is put to good use, improving the parks, playgrounds and community spaces that residents and families rely upon. This is about more than maintaining what we already have. It is about raising standards, strengthening our communities and ensuring Newcastle-under-Lyme remains a Borough people are proud to call home."
Councillor Ben Simpson, Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, added: "Too often, residents see new housing developments appearing without feeling that their own communities are getting anything back. We want to make sure that when development happens, local people see a genuine benefit."