Children to get more outdoor play

The council hope to identify 16 more sites as outdoor play areas by 2010

A project to create new outdoor play spaces for children has been announced for Bath and the surrounding area.

The council will receive £2.5m from the government to take part in the "Play Out, Hang Out" project.

The aim is to give children more opportunities to enjoy adventurous outdoor play and involve them in the development and design.

The first 12 play areas have been identified and will be completed by March 2009.

'Safe outdoor play'

Councillor Chris Watt, of Bath and North East Somerset council, said: "The council has eight priorities - these include better lives for young people, feeling safer, and improved public spaces.

"We will also be investing further in the award-winning community play ranger service, pioneered by this council, which has been so successful in helping to bring more opportunities for safe outdoor play and activities."

The council is now looking at the results of its consultation with children and young people over the summer in order to help them choose a further 16 sites, expected to be completed by March 2010.