Much-needed new play equipment is set to be installed at Kemps
Field in Aldeburgh after Suffolk Coastal agreed to back the project
with £28,000 from its outdoor play space fund (OPSF).
In January 2008, Suffolk Coastal transferred to Aldeburgh Town
Council the ownership of Kemps Field which is a small area of land
used by local children.
“Kemps Field has been in need of a facelift for some time, and
with all the ownership issues finally resolved, now was the ideal
time to give the backing to plans for new and exciting play
equipment to be installed,” said Cllr Mary Neale, Cabinet Member
for Leisure and Countryside.
“I am pleased that we have been able to work in partnership with
the Town Council, who have drawn up a scheme for £43,000 worth of
new equipment after consultation with children from the nearby
primary school and local parents.
“We agreed at last night’s (Tuesday) Cabinet to put in £28,000
from our OPSF which has paid out over £500,000 in the last five
years. This innovative fund was introduced by Suffolk Coastal to
ensure that housing developers were putting something back to help
meet the recreational needs of the areas that they were working
in,” added Cllr Neale.
Aldeburgh Town Council will meet the rest of the cost of the
Kemps Field scheme, which will include a climbing unit, a
two-seater toddler swing, a springy toy, and an octagonal
shelter.
Last year 23 different projects across the district were helped by
the OPSF, which was set up by the Council to ensure that recreation
facilities kept pace with new housing developments and requires
builders to make a contribution to the fund when they gain planning
permissions.
“The fund is helping our many partners make a real difference in
their area, giving people of all ages improved local facilities and
I would urge others to bid for support,” added Cllr Neale.
Suffolk Coastal is keen to encourage recreational projects that
involve people in their communities and each year asks towns and
parishes to identify their local needs for inclusion in the annual
Outdoor Play Space Parish Strategy (OPSPS). This strategy then
ensures that funds available from the OPSF are used in the best
possible way.
Anyone who would like more information about the OPSF or the OPSPS
can contact Suffolk Coastal’s outdoor playspace development
officer, Jennie Catling, on Wednesdays and Thursdays on 01394
444321 or email
community&economic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk