AS PART of a long term capital investment programme and ongoing commitment to play needs within North Cornwall, eight play projects — including at Bude, Camelford, Stoke Clims­land, Launceston and Tintagel — have been granted funds to build new play areas by the district council.

The North Cornwall community play fund received twenty-three applications and awarded grants to eight play areas following a rigorous assessment process that involved officers from Play England and also included the 'Rise' Play ranger team.The play areas that will be in receipt of funding include: Berries Avenue, Bude (subject to lease arrangements); Highfield, Camelford; Stoke Clims­land; Tintagel Memorial Playing Fields; Lan­stephan, Launceston (subject to lease and planning).

Gareth Dix, North Cornwall District Coun­cil's Leisure Officer who managed the process said: "We were inundated with applications totalling £1.3 million which emphasised the need for play investment within North Cornwall. It was a difficult process to prioritise areas and we were very grateful of the support provided by Play England, local councillors and the North Cornwall Sport and Recreation Council."

Cllr Linda Spear, Chair of NCDC's Community Services Committee, added: "A place to play is an important part of community life. There was huge interest in the community play fund and we were very glad to be able to help eight play projects across North Cornwall get off the ground."