THE play areas at Crooklets and Summerleaze could soon be leased to Bude-Stratton Town Council from Cornwall Council after councillors unanimously backed the proposal on Thursday, August 2.

At a recent extraordinary recreation committee, a recommendation was made to the full council that the play areas are leased from Cornwall Council on a long lease (125 years) along with a grant for £50,000.

After councillor Norman Tucker questioned whether Peter Marsh, who is service director for the environment at Cornwall Council, had the power to give out the £50,000, Cornwall Councillor for Bude, Peter La Broy (Lib Dem), said: “He probably didn’t have the power to give out 50k but the 125-year lease and 50k is a fair deal.”

Councillor Tucker then said: “I’m happy with it.”

Town mayor, Cllr Bob Willingham then proposed the recommendation which was seconded by councilor Peter Kelly and then unanimously backed by the council.

After the meeting, Cllr La Broy told the Post: “Unfortunately Summerleaze Playpark was beyond repair and there are elements of Crooklets Playpark that are in similar condition.

“It’s an unfortunate problem that wood constructed play equipment will eventually suffer from rot, particularly those parts that are under the ground.

“The play equipment was also of a construction that doesn’t comply with RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) guidelines so something has to be done. With a grant of £50,000 and the long-term lease of the play parks, Bude-Stratton Town Council can make sure that they will be saved for the longer term. It’ll take a couple of months to sort out the lease and grant money, then we will be able to get both areas refreshed and ready for play.”