Leading Environmental Body, WREN, has revealed plans to attempt to safeguard the future of up to 35 Playbuilder projects across the UK, following the government’s decision to axe the £235 million scheme (announced 11 August).
The coalition government has announced plans to freeze funding awarded to 132 local authorities to build and manage up to 1,300 play areas under the Playbuilder scheme. The multi million pound project, launched by Labour in 2008, aimed to create more than 3,500 playgrounds, many designed by young people.
Local authorities have been warned that play schemes which are yet to start construction could have public funding withdrawn, leaving local families, community groups and children disappointed.
WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by Waste Recycling Group (WRG) as part of the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF). It has been working with local councils under the Playbuilder scheme since 2008, awarding £1.8 million of match-funding to maximise playground delivery at locations within 10 miles of a WRG landfill site. The organisation has revealed that around £1.2 million of this funding has been allocated to play areas that are yet to start construction and may now be at risk.
Following the decision to halt Playbuilder, WREN’s managing director Peter Cox has started talks with local authority partners to discuss how to prioritise the £1.2 million and safeguard some of the play facilities that are at risk and where there is the greatest need. It is hoped that up to 35 of the play areas could be saved as a result if WREN is able to reprioritise its funding.
He explains: “The coalition government is under pressure to reduce the country’s deficit and unfortunately the Playbuilder scheme is the latest in a long line of public funding cuts. However, we believe all is not lost. We are happy to keep our £1.2 million commitment to these projects in place while we work with the local authorities to map out the best way to deliver at least some of the schemes. We are hopeful at this stage that some of the play projects will go ahead despite the funding cut.
“Since the announcement, I have been talking to our affected local authority partners and have asked them to identify priority schemes. We remain committed to supporting projects located in priority areas, where play facilities are in greatest need and will deliver maximum community benefit. We’re determined that with our support some of the Playbuilder projects will have a future.
“However, we do only have a finite amount of money to spend. And in negotiation with affected councils, we will be deciding how best to redistribute our £1.2 million to ensure it can make a positive difference to local communities, children and families.”
Mike Snell, General Manager of External Affairs for WRG and a Director of WREN, said: “We are delighted that WREN is taking this proactive approach. We have worked with WREN since 1997 in providing funding for projects that bring lasting benefit to people. Play facilities for children are an important part of any vibrant community and, despite the understandable need for Government to make hard choices, it’s vital that WREN is able to continue to support Playbuilder projects.”
Since 2004, WREN has awarded more than £17 million to over 600 play areas, skate parks and game areas throughout the UK. In 2009 alone, it awarded £2.7 million to play schemes enjoyed by children and young people.
Posted: 20/08/2010