ELEVEN communities across Oxfordshire are to share a grant of £500,000 to build new play areas – with children having a say in how they will look.

The county council made a bid bid for the Government money through the national Playbuilder scheme and received 32 applications for help from groups in the county.

Eleven bidders were told this week that they will be getting a share of the money to spend on play areas for eight to 13-year-olds.

Pam Johnston, the clerk of Kennington Parish Council said villagers were delighted to get a share of the money.

The parish council will put in a further £20,000, bringing the budget up to almost £70,000.

She said: “About 18 months ago, we set up a play area workshop and had plenty of input from parents at toddler groups, and from youngsters who play around on their BMX bikes.

“We tried to work out what would be their ideal play area and, after a meeting next week, we will start talking to the landscape designers. I understand that the project has to be completed within a year.

“It would be great if it was ready to use next summer.”

Howie Watkins, the council’s Playbuilder development officer, said: “The standard of the applications was amazingly high, and the children and young people who got involved with the scheme came up with some fantastic ideas.

“This gave the judging panel a very difficult job. All the schemes have been designed to challenge and inspire the children who will play in them.”

Louise Chapman, the cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “It’s wonderful to see the innovative ideas included in the proposals.”

In 2007, Oxford City Council said 14 play areas could close due to a lack of funds. But last July, the new Labour administration announced a £2.5m scheme to improve 94 play areas.

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