Having good quality play areas around here is really important for kids to be able to enjoy their childhood. What’s more, play is a really great way to keep fit and healthy. And I share parent’s concerns about their children’s safety when playing outside.

That’s why, I’m campaigning for more and better play areas throughout the constituency. Lots of people have already joined my campaign. Show your support by signing the petition below.

The recent Children’s Plan has promised £225 million to local Councils to improve opportunities for play. And I am keen to see this investment be spent on play areas around here.

But I want to know where residents think this money should be spent. I’ve had a great response so far from people keen to see action taken to improve and maintain places to play. And I’ll be writing to WMDC to let them know where you want this funding to be invested.

In the meantime I am looking into grants and other sources of money, to work with community groups on their plans. And I have also been encouraging the Council to make play a priority – you can too, by signing my petition.

Finally, I have written to the Council and the Police about improving the maintenance of existing facilities. I have had many letters telling me that local parks are dirty and unsafe. With regular visits from wardens and neighbourhood policing teams, and the Council’s street cleansing teams our existing parks would be much safer for our children.

It’s great news that Wakefield Council has been awarded £1million of funding from the Government’s Children’s Plan! They were due to receive the funding in April 2010 but it’s been brought forward so we’ll have more and better play areas sooner than expected.

As part of the government’s drive to get the country through the economic downturn, the funding due to be spent in 2010/11 has been brought forward to 2009/10. So starting from April, funding has been allocated to a minimum of 22 play areas across the Wakefield district.

I am pleased that steps are being taken to begin work on the new play area at Orchard Head in Pontefract.

And it's great to hear than improvements will be made to existing areas. Such as Manor Grove Park in Glasshoughton and at Knottingley Park.

Good quality play areas are vital for the children. I support our local MP Yvette Cooper’s campaign for more play areas and feel that the Council should make improving and maintaining existing play areas a priority.