The Big Lottery Fund has awarded Derbyshire Dales District Council £200,000 towards improving play facilities in the district.

The District Council submitted an application in March asking for £200,000 to help improve the popular and well used play facilities in Ashbourne and Bakewell.

These sites have been identified as the two priorities for the district and most in need of renovation. The District Council has been supported by Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire in undertaking this work.

As part of the consultation on the Play Strategy, children and young people identified the need for new adventurous equipment and interactive splash pads to replace the paddling pools.

The total cost of replacing the existing equipment at the two sites is estimated to cost £400,000. Derbyshire Dales District Council has provided the remaining funding and Ashbourne Play Away has pledged a small grant towards the new facility in the town.

Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the East Midlands, said: "This is terrific news for children and parents in Ashbourne and Bakewell. These awards will have a significant impact on children's play, as the Big Lottery Fund continues to make one of the largest investments ever to the play sector. This funding will bring the district's play strategy to life and help to improve the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of local children."

Councillor Andrew Lewer, Chairman of the District Council’s Community and Environment Committee said: “I am extremely pleased that the District Council has been successful in attracting this significant grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Play is often overlooked by funding organisations, so this grant is very welcome and - despite a very tight budgetary situation for us - it enables the District Council to invest in play facilities in Ashbourne and Bakewell.

“Both facilities have been in need of renovation for some time and the District Council’s contribution, together with the grant from the Big Lottery Fund will provide a modern, exciting and adventurous new facility for the children and young people in the district. I would like to thank Ashbourne Play Away for their contribution towards the new equipment in Ashbourne.”

Work will now begin on the two play areas and will hopefully be completed by next May, ready for the Summer.