by Suzy Talbot
PLAYGROUNDS across the district are going to have hundreds of thousands of pounds ploughed into them.
Chiltern District Council was given £200,000 from The Big Lottery Fund to spend on playgrounds and a further £400,000 is expected to come from the county council, town and parish councils and Wycombe Leisure.
As well as refurbishing existing playgrounds, the money could be used to provide mobile play schemes that will visit more rural areas and support new playground projects in Prestwood and Chalfont St Giles.
The Big Lottery Fund was particularly impressed that the majority of projects were community led, such as Play in Prestwood
Claire Moore was the leading light behind the Play in Prestwood project which resulted in a playground costing £90,000 being opened last week at Gryms Dyke.
She welcomed the investment in children's play areas, saying there will always be something that needs doing in playgrounds across the Chiltern.
She said: "Every child deserves the right to play freely and safely in a good, secure environment.
"There is never enough play equipment for all youngsters.
"What we have seen in the first week of the playground being opened is that 10-16 year olds are desperate for somewhere to go."
The money has come only weeks after Chesham Town Council agreed to do an audit of playgrounds in the town with a view to refurbishment as some remain the same as when they were built 20 years ago.
Councillor Mimi Harker, cabinet member for community, young people and communications, said: "It will give a kick start to play opportunities in Chiltern and will be welcome news to everyone with young children.
"In the recent household survey, providing activities for young people was a key priority for the community."
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