Bexley and Greenwich could see new or improved play areas for children and places for young people to go, as part of the Government’s Children’s Plan.
Local MP John Austin says he wants parents, young people and community groups in Erith & Thamesmead to come together to bid for some of the new funding, announced by Children’s Secretary Ed Balls recently.
John Austin said: “Labour’s Children’s Plan announced £225 million to build or upgrade 3,500 play areas across the country – an average of 23 in every local authority. And £160 million will be available over the next two years for new youth facilities, which will be shaped by young people themselves. Across the country this could mean either 50 new state of the art youth centres, or 500 refurbished centres, or 2,000 smaller scale centres or mobile units. I have asked Greenwich and Bexley Councils how they will be consulting and involving young people in the decision making. It also offers an opportunity for Bexley and Greenwich Councils to work together to deliver better facilities for young people in Thamesmead.”
Other announcements in the Children’s Plan include more support for families with new measures to help parents take a more active role in their children’s education, a review of the primary curriculum, a move towards ‘testing when ready’ and more catch-up support for children falling behind.
John Austin, MP for Erith & Thamesmead added:
“The Children’s Plan sets out what the Government will do to back parents as they bring up their children, tackle all the barriers that hold children back and unlock the talents of all our young people and not just some.
“Play is a vital part of children growing up, developing, learning and exploring and I want to see more good quality facilities where children can play safely. I will be asking local parents where new play facilities are needed or where existing ones need to be upgraded – so that our community can come together and start bidding for the new funding announced in the Children’s Plan.
“And I also want new things to do and places to go for young people in our area. This could include facilities for sport, music, drama or art – but it will be down to young people themselves to shape what’s provided. So I want to hear from young people and the local community about what facilities they would like to see and start putting together our plans.
“I want us make the most of the new investment and make the Children’s Plan a reality in our area.”
John Austin would like to hear from young people in the area. They can write to him
John Austin MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
or email: austinj@parliament.uk
