Play areas to get £300,000 revamp

Six play areas across Leicester are to be upgraded as part of a £300,000 improvement scheme.

The city council has been awarded the money by the government's Playbuilder fund as part of a three-year programme of work.

Play areas in Braunstone Park, Evington Park, Overton Road, Sturdee Road, Westcotes Park and Thirlmere Street are all set to benefit from the cash.

The work on the play areas should be completed by March 2009.

City Councillor Andy Connelly, Cabinet member for culture, said: "We are committed to improving our play areas and we will start work on the first areas in need of improvement.

"Over the next three years we will create and refurbish up to 19 play areas."

Nearby residents will be consulted about the design and development of the play areas and the council is hoping to receive another £800,000 from the government over the next two years.