Lottery Plays Santa to the Epping Forest Children

Published on 19 December 2007

Epping Forest District Council has successfully bid for and been given £243,871 from the Big Lottery Fund as part of a massive £67.5 million awarded to Local Authorities up and down the Country. A total of 201 grants were allocated to improve current play parks and promote the importance of play to the community.

The allocated money is based on the child population of the area and weighted by the level of deprivation. It is to help all children and young people to have regular access and the opportunity for free, inclusive, local play provision and play space. A Play Strategy has been developed by the Epping Forest District Council Leisure Services which encourages play by providing the means to create safe, accessible and imaginative play provisions, helping to ease parent’s growing fears of outdoor play and childhood obesity.

The refurbishment of Limes Farm playground in Chigwell will see new equipment suitable for all ages, including a Parkour area, multi-purpose youth shelter and new football goal posts. The Elizabeth Close play area in Nazeing will receive a makeover with safety surfacing, a grass area and new equipment and the Hoe Lane playground, also in Nazeing will focus on a football area. Lambourne Playground will get a complete refurbishment providing facilities for children of all ages.

Click here for the full list of Children's Play Awards released on 18 December 2007

Epping Forest District Council Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder Councillor Mrs Syd Stavrou said: "We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has approved Epping Forest District’s Children’s Play bid of £243,871. Earlier this year the Epping Forest Play Partnership, lead by the District Council Leisure Services, undertook extensive consultation with local residents, along with an audit of the District’s play facilities, in order to develop a Play Strategy and Big Lottery submission."

Mrs Stavrou continued: "Three key geographic localities were identified as priorities for improved play provision and these include: Limes Farm Estate in Chigwell and the village locations of Nazeing and Lambourne. The success of our bid means that we will be able to enhance play facilities for children in these areas whilst also providing a range of exciting and innovative pieces of equipment for teenagers in their own 'youth space' environment. Through the Big Lottery funding, the first phase of our long term aim to deliver 'high quality, diverse, inclusive and sustainable play opportunities for all children and young people living in the District within an environment which is stimulating, accessible and safe' can be achieved."

« back