New designs for two parks in Holgate have been agreed after each benefited from £47k of Government cash. Work can now begin on Back Park in Leeman Road and Sowerby Road off Poppleton Road after play equipment designs were opened up to the public for consultation.

Labour's opposition leisure spokesperson and Holgate ward councillor Sonja Crisp said:

"I attended the consultation meetings on this project and I was really impressed with the quality of the designs put before residents. Adventurous play is seemingly back in vogue and I am pleased to see that once more, children will be able to use their imagination, energy and motor skills in the right environments.

"But most importantly, they will be having a good time on a playground close to their homes, and in Back Park's case in a playground they so nearly lost in 2008 when the Lib Dem administration attempted to sell it off for development. I am extremely pleased with the designs residents chose and I look forward to seeing them through to completion in the Spring".

Fellow ward councillor Denise Bowgett commented:

"Holgate councillors and Leeman Road residents fought very hard to see Back Park retained and their success, together with the Government's Playbuilder initiative, have combined to enable local residents to make this a playground for all ages in an area desperately in need of safe amenity playspace for children.

"I'm also extremely enthusiastic about plans for Sowerby Road play area and may even head down and give the play equipment a go myself when its construction is completed!".