Green Councillors secure funding for playgrounds

Green Councillors in the Clifton and Lockleaze wards have been working to secure funding to repair and build playgrounds for their residents.

In Lockleaze, Heather Mack and David Wilcox have managed to secure almost £100,000 of funding to build a brand new playground in the south of the ward where there is currently a lack of facilities. After around six weeks of local consultation with the residents the site has now been announced, with the strongest support being for a site close to Elmcroft crescent & Muller road in the Purdown Open Space.

With the Lockleaze councillors managing to confirm funding of almost £100,000 through the Community Infrastructure Levy, they will now be able to apply for further matched funding of up to £85,000 from external organisations to build a playground for the many young families living in the ward, some of who were having to drive to the nearest playground. Work is expected to begin in 2023.

Councillor Heather Mack, leader of the Green Group said:

“With no play equipment within walking distance for little legs, families were driving to playgrounds further away. This playground is a much needed facility for an area that has often felt forgotten and left behind. I’m thrilled to secure this funding, and a significant improvement for the ward, in my first year as one of the new local councillors”

In Clifton, local Green Councillors Paula O’Rourke and Katy Grant have raised £94,000 to resurface the Clifton Suspension Bridge Playground, which is in need of repair and prone to standing water and winter mud. The Councillors raised money from several different sources; a public crowdfund, a private philanthropist, area committee funds and the Veolia Environmental Trust. The resurfacing is expected to begin before winter 2022, with the playground being closed for no longer than 8 weeks.

Councillor Katy Grant said:

“The Suspension Bridge playground has for many years been almost too muddy to use in the wettest days of the autumn and winter. It’s such a great playground in a really wonderful spot, a destination for parents and children from across the city – coming to see the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge, visit the Zoo or play on the Downs. We are so pleased to be able to improve it for the many visitors it receives every year”.