Flintshire to benefit from a share of £1.5m funding to develop play opportunities for children

Flintshire is to benefit from a share of £1.5m investment by the Welsh Government in developing play opportunities for children, the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths has announced.

Flintshire County Council will receive £77,561 in funding which can be used to improve access for disabled children, provide signs to encourage street play, buy new resources such as rope swings, climbing frames and transportable equipment to ensure children from disadvantaged areas have increased opportunities to play.

Wales was the first country in the UK to pass a law to ensure children across the country have an opportunity to play by placing a duty on Local Authorities to provide suitable outdoors spaces and play areas.

Announcing the funding, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Play is a vital part of a child’s upbringing and development which benefits their health, happiness and wellbeing.

“This is why, despite the squeeze on our budgets, we are determined to ensure children in Wales have somewhere safe, secure and fun to play with their friends. This additional £1.5 million will help Local Authorities across Wales improve play areas and provide more opportunities for children in their area to play.

“We are doing all we can to improve people’s standard of living and help our children to live healthy lives. I am very proud the Welsh Government took the lead on this issue, making Wales the first nation in the UK to legislate on play.”