Play on! Cabinet approves extra investment in Strawberry Valley Park

Exciting plans to revamp a Leyland playground have overcome a major hurdle - with South Ribble Borough Council Cabinet Members approving remediation works needed to make the upgrades possible.

Strawberry Valley Park on Bent Lane is set to undergo a £175,000 refurbishment providing brand new play equipment and a ball court.

Residents' long-held ambitions for the play area hit a snag when a contamination risk was uncovered on the site, which was found to have had historic use as landfill.

However, at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 16 June, members committed a further £200,000 to fund works to make the land completely safe.

Pending approval at Full Council in July, it is now expected the renovations could be completed before the end of the year.

Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets, said: "We're delighted to be able to deliver what will be a fantastic asset for the local community.

"It is absolutely vital that our children have access to quality, clean and safe play facilities. Play isn't just about having fun - it's incredibly important for children's physical and mental health. Access to the right facilities can also reduce anti-social behaviour.

"Strawberry Valley Park has seen little investment over recent years, having last been refurbished back in 2002. The new, improved play area will be a wonderful place for families to come and enjoy themselves and socialise with other members of the community.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Friends of Strawberry Valley Park on all their hard work to promote this play area - including their successful application for a £30,000 grant from the Lancashire Environment Fund towards the cost of new equipment.

"The Council is more than pleased to do its bit and we can't wait for young residents to be able to enjoy the finished results."

Designs for the upgraded play area were finalised following a recent public consultation.