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A pilot scheme initiated by the government to
encourage young people to play in under used public spaces has been
launched in North Somerset.
The Play Pod project involves the temporary siting of six large
play boxes in public open spaces around the area. Each container is
a lockable metal box full of resources including recycled den
building materials, circus skills kit, sports equipment and art and
craft materials. They also include seating, tables and outdoor
shelter equipment for rainy days and are set to be decorated by
young people.
The £342,000 three-year project, which is being entirely funded
by a Big Lottery Fund grant, is aimed at 10 to 14 year olds and
will operate after school during term time and during the day in
the holidays.The pods are accompanied by a team of play rangers who
will be on site twice a week to help co-ordinate activities.
Council deputy leader Cllr Elfan Ap Rees said: "The sessions are
intended to provide a safe and interesting place to play but will
not be a childcare facility and we hope parents will also support
the idea.
"However, whilst we have no objections to this project I want to
reassure residents that local tax payers' money is not being used
to provide the facilities or to pay for the staffing and, at the
end of the period or when the funding expires, the project will
end."
Cllr Jeremy Blatchford, executive member for children and young
people's services said the pods were a fantastic opportunity for
young people to experience a wide variety of play activities
outside.
"The pod project offers our 10-14 year olds a chance to try
something different. Whether it is building their own den from
recycled materials or trying out circus skills - there will be
something for everyone."
The pods will be at:
Castle Batch, Weston-super-Mare
Hangstones Field, Yatton
Brookside, Pill
Salthouse Fields, Clevedon
Pound Lane, Nailsea
Banwell Rec, Banwell
Details of when the pods will be open and when the play rangers
are on site will be at each site and flyers will also be available
in local shops and outlets. Details will also be available on this
website or in the monthly
Life magazine which is distributed to households throughout the
district. |