Communities in North East Derbyshire set to see local parks and play areas improved

Communities in the North East Derbyshire District are set to benefit from improvements to local parks and play areas under the first round of grants from the Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund programme.

£237,246 in grant funding has been awarded to Barlow, Brampton, Eckington, Holymoorside & Walton, Shirland & Higham and Unstone Parish Councils and Dronfield Town Council to deliver 8 schemes in the first round of the Quality Parks and Play Areas (QPPA) grant scheme.

Supported projects include replacing outdated equipment, adding new pieces of equipment to cater for a wider age range and installing railings and new surfacing which will make these parks and play areas safer and more attractive for local users.

A further £55,000 has also been allocated to match the Council’s Safer Streets Funding to redevelop the Skate Park in Killamarsh.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Communications, Cllr Alan Powell, said: “Parks and play areas are an important part of the community as they provide the opportunity for physical exercise and social interaction between residents of all ages.

“This funding will enhance existing provision and create spaces that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Transformation and Climate Change, Cllr Jeremy Kenyon added: “We recognise the importance of good quality local amenities in our communities.

“This UKSPF investment provides visible improvements that will help future-proof vital local facilities. We will be announcing the outcome of our most recent bidding rounds for our Parks and Play Areas and Village Halls and Community Venues schemes in due course.”

Details of future bidding rounds, including the Shop Front Enhancement Scheme, will be publicised on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund pages of the Council’s website and through its social media.