Newcastle: Campaign to raise £20,000 to repair Leazes Park play area

About £20,000 is needed to repair the play area, according to park managers Urban Green Newcastle

A fundraising drive has been launched to repair a dilapidated children's play area in Newcastle's oldest park.

Currently, Leazes Park play area is cordoned off after being deemed unsafe.

Charity and parks manager Urban Green Newcastle said £20,000 was needed to fund repairs. It is planning a fundraiser on 23 December.

Northern Lights Newcastle, which is hosting a Christmas Lights trail in Leazes Park this winter, has already pledged to donate up to £10,000.

The organisation, which promises to transform the grounds of Leazes Park "into a breathtaking journey through a spectrum of illuminations, sculptures and special affects" from 23 November-1 January, said it would match donations made when people bought tickets for the event online, up to £10,000.

It is hoped the Christmas light trail will bolster funds to repair the Leazes Park play area

The Urban Green fundraising event on 23 December will mark Leazes Park's 150th anniversary and will feature a choir alongside immersive lights from the trail.

Northern Lights event director Roxy Robinson said: "We are thrilled to launch this fundraiser to repair play equipment at Leazes Park.

"Free-to-access play areas are so important for local families."

Urban Green took over management of the city's parks from Newcastle City Council in 2019.

Chief executive Carol Pyrah said: "We know from feedback that families and visitors really care about play areas.

"I'm delighted we're working in partnership with Northern Lights Newcastle to launch a fundraising campaign to revitalise the play area, providing children and young people with a safe and enjoyable place to play."

Just under £1,500 has been raised so far, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.