Amble Welfare in running for play area refurbishment
Amble Welfare could benefit from an upgrade to the Multi User Games Area, after funding was secured for identified PlayZones across Northumberland.
The MUGA at the Welfare
Funding to replace the safety flooring to the children’s playground has been secured through Section 106 money, but a timescale for the work has not yet been confirmed.
£300,000 from Sport England via the Football Foundation is being invested in the development of PlayZones across Northumberland, and the County Council will meet the additional £900,000 costs.
PlayZones are outdoor spaces – often referred to as a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), which can be used for a range of sports and physical activities for all ages.
An extensive consultation exercise with community organisations and residents was held throughout the county, including Amble.
The project will now progress to the next stage, where work will begin on selected sites included in Phase One of the project.
Phase One locations are Alnwick Community Centre; Hexham Priory School; Amble Welfare, Newbiggin MUGA, Westlea Football Field Bedlington, Hirst Park Ashington, and Eastwoods Park West Wylam.
Northumberland’s PlayZones will be open for community use day and night, all year round, providing a safe and inclusive recreational space for everyone.
County Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet member for Healthy Lives, said: “We are very happy to confirm funding for the PlayZones project.
“Council staff have worked hard to make the consultation process as broad as possible, and the response we have seen from our communities has been fantastic.
“I am particularly proud of the work this project is doing to address the needs of our priority groups. Access to sports and wellbeing facilities is a crucial factor in improving the health outcomes for our residents. The opportunities they offer for safe inclusive physical activity are endless.”
