THREE primary schools in Atherton are benefiting from a share of government cash.

St Richard's and nearby St George's are enjoying improved and safer playground facilities, with Meadowbank Primary set to get similar treatment over the coming year.

Locals, councillors and council officers successfully applied for the funding for the three-year regeneration project which will bring visible improvements with updated street lighting, anti-vandal litter bins, landscaping, plus £5,000 playground upgrades at each school.

The ideas of St Richard's children have been translated into a seating area, equipment and a friendly playground environment that the whole school is proud of.

Sue Wilson, Vice Chair of the SRB 5 Atherton Building Communities Board, said: "It's wonderful to see children benefiting from these school play area facilities which encourage friendship, activity and care of the environment."

Wigan Council has designated Hag Fold as a 'Street Scene Action Area' (SSAA). It is the seventh such area to be chosen as an SSAA, where several council departments work together to bring about noticeable environmental improvements.

The total cost of the Hag Fold project is £748,000, of which just over £400,000 is from SRB 5. The rest is from Wigan Council's Engineering Services Department.