Play areas set to reopen after refurbishment

Four play areas in Derbyshire are set to reopen following a council's refurbishment programme.

Work on sites in Northern Road and Park Street, Heanor, Charnwood Drive in Ripley, and Acorn Drive, Belper, is now nearing completion, Amber Valley Borough Council said.

The authority hopes to reopen all sites by mid-April, "subject to weather conditions and final safety inspections".

Funding for the works has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated via the East Midlands Combined County Authority, along with a £37,000 contribution from Belper Town Council.

The new designs for the play areas were shaped by a local consultation, with residents helping to choose their preferred designs before a supplier was appointed.

As well as refurbished playgrounds, the council is carrying out thermoplastic line markings on multi-use games areas and basketball courts, repainting existing play equipment, surface enhancements, and the installation of outdoor fitness equipment at a number of different sites.

Amina Burslem, cabinet member for communities, street pride and wellbeing at the council, said play is "essential to children's wellbeing, development and social connection".

"What makes this refurbishment programme particularly important is that local people helped shape it," Burslem added.

"When residents are involved in choosing designs and shaping our long-term plans, the spaces are better used, better valued and better protected.

"We also want to think beyond traditional playgrounds by integrating play into our natural environment and ensuring spaces are inclusive and accessible for children and young people with differing needs."

The authority said consultation is now under way for the next phase of improvements at Aldercar Recreation Ground and Waingroves Recreation Ground.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.