Almost £4m pledged for playground improvements

The improvements will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy imposed on developers

A Surrey council has signed off on an investment of nearly £3.9m to improve a range of parks and playgrounds across its district.

Earlier this week Mole Valley District Council approved the outlay, which will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy imposed on developers.

A very significant proportion of investment is targeted towards upgrading six playgrounds across Ashtead, Bookham, Dorking and Leatherhead.

In this week's Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves committed £18m of central government funding to revamping playgrounds across England.

Councillor Nick Wright, cabinet member for leisure and community assets, said this investment is a "fantastic opportunity to enhance the quality of life" for residents across Mole Valley.

"I know from residents, and indeed my own experience as a father and grandfather, the crucial role that well equipped playgrounds play in family life," he said.

A procurement and contract strategy to enable the council to secure the right supplier was also approved at the cabinet meeting.

Elsewhere in the county, work to revitalise the Oatlands Recreation Ground in Weybridge will begin on Monday ahead of reopening next spring.

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