Norris Green East has been selected as one of four Liverpool neighbourhoods to receive Pride in Place funding, a significant investment aimed at revitalising the area. The funding, which commits up to £20 million over 10 years, comes at a crucial time as the community faces challenges with anti-social behaviour in local parks. Barry Leahey MBE, President of Playdale and a strong advocate for children's play, is urging local decision-makers to prioritise outdoor play infrastructure in the spending plans.
Investment in Play Infrastructure
Liverpool City Council is now establishing a Neighbourhood Board to direct the investment in Norris Green East. Barry Leahey MBE, who is also an active supporter of the NSPCC and a play expert, emphasises that playgrounds are a vital component of community regeneration. Playdale, a leading UK playground manufacturer with over 40 years of experience, argues that few investments deliver such positive community outcomes as dedicated play spaces for children.
The Need for Play Spaces
The need for investment in play areas is well-documented. Data shows that 793 play parks have closed across the UK in the last decade, with budgets for parks and open spaces falling by more than £350 million. The North and Midlands have been hit hardest, with some areas experiencing cuts of up to 80%. Consequently, nearly half of UK children now rarely or never visit a playground, and childhood obesity rates have worsened as access to outdoor play declines.
Barry Leahey MBE commented: "Pride in Place funding offers Norris Green a direct route to reverse the nationwide trend in play decline and an opportunity to lead by example through investment in something that will be used and loved for decades. Playgrounds are not an afterthought in community regeneration; they are often the most visible sign that a neighbourhood is loved and well looked after." He encourages Liverpool City Council to consider a new or refurbished play space for Norris Green, hoping this marks the start of a nationwide rebirth in communities that prioritise children and young families.
