East Cambridgeshire District Council inclusive playgrounds

Councillors have unanimously agreed on the cross-party motion to make playgrounds in East Cambridgeshire more inclusive.

The motion recognises the essential role of play in child development, as well the importance of creating opportunities for outdoor play that can be accessed by all children, including those with mobility disabilities.

The motion was put forward by Cllr Chika Akinwale - you can read more from her, and Cllr Lorna Dupre, about the motion by clicking here.

Following the vote at a Full Council Meeting on May 23, £25,000 has now been allocated to carrying out an independent audit of all 27 playgrounds the Council maintains.

Parish councils will also be contacted and invited to submit to the council playgrounds within their control for the same independent audit.

Once the audits are complete, the Council will develop an inclusive 'Playground Strategy' which looks at what can be achieved in the short, medium and long term.

It will also explore the possible funding opportunities, and create a toolkit to help deliver improvements which will be made when the existing equipment needs replacing.

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Cllr Mark Goldsack, who was voted in at the meeting as chair of the council for the second consecutive year, said: “Children and young people deserve to have the best start in their lives, and the opportunity to play safely in an outdoor environment is something that every child should be able to do – no matter what physical or mental disabilities they may have.

“One of my great pleasures is to spend time with my two grandchildren at the local parks.

“I am delighted that we have been able to work together across all the parties to bring forward this motion which will ensure that as our playgrounds need replacing, and where practical to do so, we will incorporate inclusivity as a foundational principle.”