WESTMINSTER playgrounds are set for a major revamp – thanks to a government cash injection of �1.2million. The Department of Children, Schools and Families funding comes as part of a three-year programme which will see 22 neglected play areas given a face

WESTMINSTER playgrounds are set for a major revamp - thanks to a government cash injection of �1.2million.

The Department of Children, Schools and Families funding comes as part of a three-year programme which will see 22 neglected play areas given a facelift.

Council bosses are still debating which areas will make the final list for renovation and up to a thousand children have now been invited to have their say.

Children's boss Cllr Sarah Richardson said: "This grant is a major boost and will benefit young people throughout the city, providing stimulating, exciting and safe play areas in the heart of London. What is particularly exciting about this project is that young people will have a chance to express their views and help us in the creation or development of these new facilities."

Council research suggests that disabled children and those from deprived inner city areas will be among the first to benefit.

Regent's Park and Kensington North MP Karen Buck said: "I am extremely pleased with this grant because the shortage of high quality play spaces is a genuine problem in inner city areas and can lead to tensions between residents, when children play games in places which are not set aside for this purpose.

"Westminster Council has benefited hugely from central government grants, which are in addition to the main revenue support funding. This means that only about �1 in every �10 spent by the council has to come from the council tax.