Parks and play areas in Beccles to benefit from �60,000 of improvements

Waveney District Council, Beccles Town Council and the Waveney Play Partnership are joining forces to oversee improvements to open spaces and free play areas in Beccles, by transforming them using funds contributed by local developers.

Improvements will be made to play facilities at Beccles Quay by installing challenging equipment for a wider age range, including toddler equipment.

There will also be landscaped natural play elements at Waveney Meadow, a new millennium beacon at the Quay, improved play provision at the Common, new obstacles at the skatepark, and planting at Kilbrack Gardens.

In addition, the allocation of funds for phase two of South Beccles's Darby Park has been confirmed, meaning that there will be improved hard surface access from High Leas, new toddler equipment and five-a-side goals.

The improvement costs are being met by Section 106 funding, which comes from developer contributions in the local area made through Waveney District Council.

These are intended to support the improvement of public spaces as residential development increases their demand.

Waveney Play Partnership chairman and district councillor Chris Punt said: 'After looking at the distribution of play spaces in Beccles, it became clear that those in the southern part of the town currently provide greater play value than those in the northern half.

'At a meeting last month, we discussed the effects of improvements to these play areas and open spaces, and made decisions supporting developments that would best serve Beccles children, young people and families.'

Beccles Town Council chairman Graham Catchpole added: 'The intention is for the improvements to start immediately, and be complete and ready for use by Easter 2012.

Much consideration has been given to the location and type of enhancements to best suit the area and boost free play opportunities for all children and young people living in Beccles.

Multi-play units, natural play, landscaping, planting and a mega swing are all on the cards.'

The Waveney Play Partnership is a district-wide group of representatives from different sectors and geographical areas who are working together to oversee the development of the local Waveney Play Strategy and action plan for the Waveney district. Officers from Waveney District Council enabled the creation of the Waveney Play Partnership in early 2007.