Play area improvements in Sussex and Surrey

Two councils have implemented playground improvement programmes

Children across Surrey and Sussex are set to benefit from improved play areas.

Lewes District Council said it would provide new equipment and refurbish playgrounds in Seaford, Lewes and Newhaven.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, meanwhile, said three of the borough's play areas would be revamped.

Councillors at both local authorities said outdoor play was crucial for children as they announced the improvements.

Sussex

In East Sussex, Lewes District Council said new play equipment has been installed at Valley Dip in Seaford and across two play areas at Malling Recreation Ground in Lewes.

Refurbishments are also starting at Stanley Turner Recreation Ground in Lewes and Hillcrest Court in Newhaven.

The council said 19 playgrounds in the district would have received £400,000 in investment by the end of the summer in just over two years.

Picnic benches have been added to many sites, as well as new swings, slides, sand pits and climbing frames, the council added.

Surrey

In Surrey, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said play areas at Fairfax Avenue, Redhill, Somerset Road, Meadvale, and Woodmansterne Recreation Ground, Banstead, would be revamped.

Upgraded playgrounds would have new equipment, including climbing frames, swings and roundabouts and a zip wire, according to the local authority.

Improvements will also be made to landscaping.

Upgrades for each play area are expected to take between four and six weeks.

Areas under construction will be cordoned off during work for safety reasons, said the council.

'Healthier, happier' communities

"It is an absolute joy to see our young people having more outdoor fun as a result of our significant investment in local play areas," said councillor Wendy Maples, cabinet member for neighbourhood wellbeing at Lewes District Council.

"Outdoor play is crucial for young people's wellbeing and development," she continued, adding it would help create "healthier, happier" communities.