CREATION of a new children's playground with a lockable container for equipment on open space at Newton has been approved by St Helens Council Planning Committee.

The new site will be on Sturgess Street in Newton near a residential area and plans include a formal seating area and play facilities protected with a special rubber safety surface.

The scheme is being developed by St Helens Council under the Newton 21 SRB Partnership and was suggested by the Common Road Residents and Tenants Association, who want current play facilities at King George V playing field on Wharf Road transferred to the new, more centrally-located Sturgess Street site. Local residents have agreed to supervise the facilities and lock away the play equipment each evening.

The scheme will link with the proposed Dingle Greenway which would enhance a large area of former allotment land at the rear of Bertram Street and Crow Lane West.

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