Two of Ilkley’s District Councillors, Kyle Green and Michael Gibbons, as well as Robbie Moore MP, are calling for investment in a widely used playground on Backstone Way that is in need of updating.
With Bradford Council due to invest £6.4million into playgrounds in the district, the two councillors and Robbie Moore MP are keen to ensure that it is not just the bigger playgrounds that receive funding but also ones that provide vital play spaces for neighbourhood residents. They believe that the playground at Backstone Way is a key example of this. Indeed, with some of the equipment in dire need of updating, and no equipment in place for children who have special needs or mobility issues, the playground is currently one that despite its popularity is not able to accomodate all local children.
Speaking about this, Councillor Green stated: “My daughter loves coming to the Backstone Way playground with her friends after school, as do many children who attend the schools in the local area, however, the equipment on offer needs to be improved and needs to be accessible to all children. I fully welcome the investment in playgrounds by the council but Ilkley already has one fewer playground than it should for the town’s population, which exacerbates the need for the playgrounds in town to be invested in and made fit for purpose."
Councillor Gibbons added: "The Backstone Way playground site clearly needs investment and improving for use by all children. This is especially vital for this site given its close proximity to two primary schools.”
Supporting the calls by the two district councillors Robbie Moore MP stated: "I am glad that Cllrs Green and Gibbons are banging the drum for more investment in Ilkley’s playgrounds. Playgrounds like this provide excellent exercise facilities for children whilst having a hugely positive impact on their mental health. I will continue to support our councillors to ensure funding is secured to update our playground but also make it accessible for children with disabilities."