Officials concerned about lack of provision for outdoor play activities
24/08/2010 Manchester authorities are concerned about the effect that funding cuts for outdoor play activities will have on local children.
The construction of 93 play areas has been suspended following spending cuts from the Department of Education's Playbuilder programme, the Manchester Evening News reports.
All schemes which have been approved but on which construction has not yet been started have been stalled.
One of the projects put on hold is at Barracks Street Park, Hulme, where children chose features including a trampoline, stepping stones and a bird's nest swing.
David Regan, Manchester's director of public health, told the news provider: "The current Manchester Public Health Annual Report stresses the importance of play in early childhood in helping to establish positive attitudes to physical activity and recreation throughout life."
He added that outdoor play activities "not only improve physical fitness, it is also essential for the social and emotional development of children".
Last week, the Leigh Reporter carried an article detailing how 15 spaces for outdoor play activities in the Wigan area have been cut.
The construction of 93 play areas has been suspended following spending cuts from the Department of Education's Playbuilder programme, the Manchester Evening News reports.
All schemes which have been approved but on which construction has not yet been started have been stalled.
One of the projects put on hold is at Barracks Street Park, Hulme, where children chose features including a trampoline, stepping stones and a bird's nest swing.
David Regan, Manchester's director of public health, told the news provider: "The current Manchester Public Health Annual Report stresses the importance of play in early childhood in helping to establish positive attitudes to physical activity and recreation throughout life."
He added that outdoor play activities "not only improve physical fitness, it is also essential for the social and emotional development of children".
Last week, the Leigh Reporter carried an article detailing how 15 spaces for outdoor play activities in the Wigan area have been cut.
