Shildon’s Hackworth Park play area is among 15 play areas across the county which have been identified as below the minimum standard and have been prioritised by the County Council for development.
Of the 176 play areas the county is responsible for, 10 are to be discarded, with five being transferred and five, which have been identified as in a poor condition and beyond repair, to be removed.
A further 25, including Hackworth Park play area, have been earmarked for development after falling below minimum standards.
A report on the parks, which has been developed in consultation with the public, town and parish councils and members, outlines how the council will provide play in the future by establishing a minimum standard, or ‘core offer’, to make sure children have fair and equal access to equipment.
It also proposes how this can be achieved by further working with members, community groups and parish and town councils.
Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “As a council we recognise the importance of play alongside the need for future provision in the county.
“This is underpinned by the fact that we are proposing to retain a number of sites which are beyond the minimum core offer while continuing to invest in and develop others, despite the budget pressures we are facing.
“We remain committed to providing opportunities for children and young people and ensuring that there will be a significant play offer in the future.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
