Lib Dems win commitment to more accessible playgrounds

Councillors on East Cambridgeshire District Council unanimously last night (23 May 2024) agreed a motion proposed by Liberal Democrat councillor Chika Akinwale (Ely North) to make playgrounds in East Cambridgeshire more inclusive for all children and young people.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Alan Sharp and agreed by all councillors present.

Cllr Chika Akinwale says, “I’m really pleased my motion was accepted and approved across both groups on the council. Inclusive, accessible play is so important for all children and young people.”

The motion sets the council on a path to ensuring all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access outdoor play.

The council has committed to independently audit all 27 of its own playgrounds, and offer parish councils an opportunity to take part in the same audit. It will then develop an inclusive playground strategy, seek ways to fund it, and create a toolkit to help deliver improvements which will be made when the existing equipment needs replacing.

The council’s planning department will encourage the inclusion of accessible playgrounds in new developments, and consider whether it can include this requirement in its next Local Plan.