Chess tables to be installed in Hull parks to tackle loneliness

Pearson Park in Hull has previously hosted outdoor chess competitions

Chess tables are to be placed in two parks in Hull in a bid to tackle loneliness.

Pearson Park and East Park will each host anew four-seat chess table, after the council received £5,000 of government levelling up funding.

The parks, which sit on opposite sides of the city, were chosen so that people in both sides of Hull would be able to get to them.

Councillor Jack Haines described the scheme as "a brilliant initiative".

Mr Haines, the council's communities portfolio holder, said the chess equipment would help make Hull's parks "even more popular with visitors".

The scheme follows a request by the government for councils to look at new ways of strengthening social ties and to tackle loneliness by encouraging people to come together.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said funding for the project was set to be handed out between now and February.

Trustees, friends groups and local residents were due to be consulted before final plans were made for the location of the tables within the parks, they added.

Mr Haines said: "It's pleasing that the council is looking to bring this to the city.

"Our parks are extremely popular with residents and visitors alike and adding further attractions such as chess facilities will only help increase footfall and socialising."

A spokesperson for Hull and East Riding Chess Association said the funding was "extremely welcome".

"We have run Play Chess Festivals for the past three summers and we know from experience how playing chess in parks really works," they added.