Darwen parents petition for better play areas (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Darwen parents petition for better play areas

11:37am Tuesday 7th July 2009 in

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DARWEN parents have petitioned the council to provide better playground facilities for young children.

The families are furious that the new £145,000 re-development of Bold Venture Park did not cater for under 8s and that there are not enough play areas in Earcroft and Birch Hall.

A lack of swings and other suitable equipment has been cited.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will discuss the petition at an executive board meeting on Thursday night.

The council has argued that funding for improvements to the park came from The Play Pathfinder initiative, which was specifically targeted at 8 to 13-year- olds.

Development plans have also been put in place for Earcroft ward through the scheme and, where practicable, the council has promised to provide playground equipment which will cater for infants.

The scheme has already contributed about £2.5million to the playground budget in the borough, and revenue for future development and maintenance costs for Bold Venture Park have been identified.