Haringey misses out on playground funding

4.40.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 3rd Apr 2008

Young people across the borough face a future without significant investment in new playgrounds after news announcing Haringey Council failed to secure additional funding for play facilities. Haringey is not included in a list released today by the government showing new 'pathfinder' and 'playbuilder' authorities set to receive £2million and £1million respectively for extra investment in play areas. Lib Dems are concerned at the failure of the Council to secure vital funding and have written to the Council to ask why Haringey, one of the most deprived areas in London, was overlooked.

All but one of Haringey's neighbouring boroughs secured extra funding - Camden, Enfield and Hackney have been announced as 'pathfinder' authorities whilst Brent and Islington have been named 'playbuilder' authorities.

Cllr Gail Engert, Lib Dem Children, Schools and Families Spokesperson comments:

"In a borough that lacks any public play areas in two wards - Fortis Green and Crouch End - it is distressing that most neighbouring boroughs have been successful but the Council has failed in their bid for this money.

"In times of increasing childhood obesity the Council should do all in its power to gain extra funding to get our young people engaged in exercise at an early age. Play areas are an important part in this early years development. I hope that the Council does everything to be included in extra funding announced in the autumn."

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds:

"It is ironic that this scheme is called Fair Play as it seems that the government has done everything but play fairly with Haringey's young people - by denying one of the most deprived areas of London and England extra funding."