Upgrade for over 30 play areas in RCT
MORE than 30 Rhondda Cynon Taf play areas will be upgraded over the next year after the council announced it is to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, and comes after 46 play areas across the county borough received improvements last year.
It means 11 play areas in the Rhondda, nine in the Cynon Valley, and 14 in the Taff area will see significant upgrades in 2017-18.
They will include renewing aging equipment, surfaces and full refurbishment.
The announcement was made by Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan at Wednesday’s full meeting.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, cabinet member for environment, leisure and culture, said: “Over the past year I have seen firsthand how new play areas, which are being upgraded from significant council investment, are benefiting local residents. Every child has the right to play in safe, high-quality playgrounds with new equipment, and these improved facilities will allow families to benefit from healthy activity outdoors at no charge to them.
“I was delighted at the council leader’s announcement that 34 more play areas will be improved and upgraded. This investment will, I’m sure, be welcomed by people across the county borough.”
According to the council, £600,000 of funding for the majority of play area upgrades will come from its capital programme, while funding for six of them – three in both the Cynon and Taff areas, will come from funding secured through Section 106 agreements.
Speaking after Wednesday evening’s meeting, Coun Morgan said: “During the meeting of full council, I announced details of the 34 new play Areas which will be improved in the county borough during 2017-18.
“This is in addition to the 46 play areas improved in a separate £1.7m investment in the current financial year. The latest £600,000 allocation re-iterates the Council’s commitment to build upon the momentum already created by the wider £200m RCTinvest programme.
“We are investing in key areas that will make a visible difference to local people, and providing modern upgrades to play areas within our communities is another an example of that.”