PLAY PATHFINDER FUNDING FOR CORNWALL

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 12th Dec 2008

The Department for Children, Schools and Families have today announced plans to spend £2.5 million in Cornwall to build and renew local public play areas.

The county will be offered around £2 million in capital funding to develop a minimum of 28 public play spaces, followed by a further £500,000 to employ staff to maintain the parks. The new funding is earmarked to begin in April next year.

Reacting to the news Julia said:

"It is brilliant news that this funding is going to be invested in the county. Kids, young people and families will now be able to enjoy much better facilities closer to home.

"I will do all I can to support the community involvement on how and where this money is spent so that we can all benefit from the Play Pathfinder investment."

Colin Breed, Lib Dem MP for South East Cornwall, added:

"I fully support the Government's plans to invest in our public spaces. Retaining and investing in public land will help make our towns more pleasant places to live in.

"Any efforts to get children away from the TV screen and into the great outdoors, playing sports or playing in the local park, are to be commended."