LOTTERY bids are to be made for three projects to improve play for children in the Suffolk Coastal area.Young people in the district took part in a competition to give their ideas.

LOTTERY bids are to be made for three projects to improve play for children in the Suffolk Coastal area.

Young people in the district took part in a competition to give their ideas.

Now schemes are to be submitted to the National Lottery for funding - including a double-decker bus to tour rural areas in the north of the district, a cycle trail through Rendlesham Forest, and a modern play area at Langer Park, Felixstowe.

Cabinet member Doreen Savage said the youngsters' input had been crucial.

She said: “We called on anyone aged under 19 in our district to come up with the ideas on what type of play facilities they would like to see where they live.

“Their valuable input has helped us draw up our play strategy.

“It is more important than ever that the value of play, in all its forms, is recognised for what it can add to children's welfare and development and also the benefits it can bring to society as a whole.

“Our new strategy sets out how we and all our partners can work together to ensure that the importance of play is at the core of all future developments in our district and that the opportunities for imaginative and adventurous play are increased so that children can have the type of play experiences that many of us enjoyed when we were young.”

No timetable has yet been put on the projects and officers are now finalising the ideas and preparing lottery applications.

Three youngsters were awarded prizes this week for their efforts in helping to draw up the play strategy - with Hal Ottley, aged four, of Purdis Farm, presented with a £25 voucher for the an early learning centre, Rebecca Cox, nine, of Felixstowe, and Alysia Schuetzle, 14, both received MP3 players.

What new play facilities would you like to see available for children in the Suffolk Coastal area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk