New children's schemes on the way

THREE schemes designed to get children out of the house and playing safely in the open air are being backed in their bid for lottery money.Groups have put forward schemes for a double-decker play bus, a cycle trail through Rendlesham Forest and a modern play area at Langer Park in Felixstowe.

THREE schemes designed to get children out of the house and playing safely in the open air are being backed in their bid for lottery money.

Groups have put forward schemes for a double-decker play bus, a cycle trail through Rendlesham Forest and a modern play area at Langer Park in Felixstowe.

And Suffolk Coastal District Council has pledged to back their application for the essential lottery funding needed to get them off the ground, as part of its new play strategy.

The strategy is seen as a key to tackling problems which may occur when young people are not encouraged to play safely outside - such as anti-social behaviour and health problems in later life.

Councillor Doreen Savage, cabinet member for young people, said: “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.

“We want this strategy to set 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.”

The play strategy is up for discussion at the council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 4.

Mrs Savage said: “The recent changes in lifestyle have at least partly contributed to increases in anti-social behaviour, mental health problems and the related health problems this brings in later life.”

What could be done in your area to improve playtime for children and youths in your area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk