Holgate councillors have given the thumbs up to the news that Government funding will ensure almost £100k goes towards improving play equipment in their ward over the next two years. They have welcomed the £1.65m from the Government nationally to create or upgrade play areas for those aged 8 - 13 years with a view to encouraging more adventurous and imaginative play spaces.

And the two sites to benefit in Holgate ward are Back Park (£45k) in the Leeman Road area this year and Garnet Terrace and Sowerby Road to benefit by £53k in 2010/11.

Ward councillor Sonja Crisp, Labour spokesperson for Leisure and Culture was at the meeting where the decision was rubber stamped this week. She said:

"I am really pleased that the children of York will benefit from the Government's initiative. It is especially meaningful in Holgate as we have no proper facilities for 8-13 year olds to play safely. We ran a successful campaign to save Back Park from being sold off by the Liberal Democrat council for housing and this is the icing on the cake. All communities will be consulted about their particular play areas".

The newly formed Friends of Back Park Group will be an integral part of the community consultation on what local residents want to have in their particular play area as each one will be tailored to their particular community's wants and needs.

Fellow Holgate councillor James Alexander added:

"I hope these improved facilities leads to people having pride in their areas and contributes to building more of a sense of community. Having local places where people can meet is so important in achieving this and is just as important for youngsters as it is for adults.

"Things are looking up for Back Park and I'm sure it will once again become a focal point for the local community as the Friends group gets established".