1. That close liaison between the Borough Treasurer and District Assemblies be maintained to provide effective management of the enhanced budget for the provision of children's play sites.

This recommendation has been actioned.

2. That consideration be given to the allocation, as a matter of priority, of any funding that becomes available during 2006/7 due to slippage in the Capital Programme to enable new equipment to be acquired for existing play sites.

This recommendation has been actioned.

3. That in the short term, the revenue budget increase, additional capital monies and where appropriate funds from Section 106 agreements are used to raise the standard of and maintain existing play sites.

This recommendation has been actioned.

4. In the long term the number of play sites should be increased, subject to sufficient revenue and capital funding being made available.

This recommendation has been actioned.

5. That provision for older children and teenagers should be extended to most strategic play sites.

The new site at Medlock Street , Droylsden has areas for teenagers with swings and other equipment. The District Assembly has also supported the installation of a teen shelter on this site.

Stamford Park has swings for older children. Work has commenced this month with the installation of 2 MUGAs on the Tennis Courts within the Park.

Hyde Park as part of the recent refurbishment has had new equipment installed for teenagers.

6. That the Council adopt the latest version of the Children's Play Council's Charter for Children's Play when available.

The charter is being reviewed through a survey that closes on 10 th April. The new charter will be available later this year. A strategy for play has been produced based on Play England 's guidance and ensures our compliance with good practice.

7. That the community, Ward Members and any other organisations that can have an impact on children's play (see paragraph 5.5), be consulted regarding the development of any new play sites and the major refurbishment of any existing play sites.

As part of the development of Tower Street , Dukinfield collaborative working has been undertaken with Tame Valley Green, Councillor John Taylor and Greener Greater Manchester together with other granting agencies with the Community Group.

In respect of the developments at Medlock Street, Droylsden work has been carried out with Jubilee Gardens on the provision of Specialised Play Equipment for people with disabilities as part of the whole play area. Local Ward Members and the Tameside Sports Trust have also been involved in the development of the play area.

8. That responsibility for children's play at Cabinet level be clarified and responsibility given to a single service.

Strategic responsibility for Children's Play is now within Services for Children and Young People, coming under the remit of Cllr Alison Gwynne. Operational responsibility for play areas is within District Assemblies.

9. That the Panel are kept informed of progress made towards the development and implementation of planning guidance for a community fund.

An update on the community fund has been requested.

10. That identified best practice is considered and applied, when appropriate, in the development of new and existing play sites.

Over the last 12 months the Playground Manager has visited Rotherham MBC to look at climbing boulders and High Peak District Council with regard to Teen Shelters. He has also undertaken other site visits looking at contractors work and types of new equipment.

The Playground Manager has attended a number of seminars and conferences including one on The Charter for Children's Play consultation programme in Leeds as part of three events for invited professionals.

11. That Children's Play remains a Council priority for future funding.

A Play strategy has been produced in line with Play England and Big Lottery guidance to demonstrate the many benefits of play. This Strategy has attracted over 500k of lottery money towards their stated priority projects including improved signage and facilities at all play sites and accessible equipment at all sites for children with disabilities.

12. That the Council consult with the community in the development of new and existing sites, in order to help identify solutions to local problems such as anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

The work with Tame Valley Green identified the needs of teenagers and incorporated some of these needs into the finished scheme. District Assemblies worked with the Tameside Patrollers on the proposal to install a Teen Shelter at Medlock Street, Droylsden.

Any resident concerns re play facilities are always actively considered and changes made if appropriate and achievable.

13. That Sport and Recreational Services and District Assemblies continue to work with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to address the underlying causes of some of the most common problems of anti-social behaviour at the borough's play sites.

A number of initiatives continue to take place to provide positive activities for young people such as informal and formal sports sessions, a variety of youth work and Arts work in the community. A joint project with New Charter Housing, focusing on street games for young people is proving very successful in engaging young people in positive activities.

14. That a thorough review of the distribution of play sites is carried out in order to ensure that any additional funding is used to meet the needs of children throughout the borough.

This was part of the first review but continues as part of the ongoing planning for children's play. More detailed consideration would be needed should funding be obtained to extend the number of sites above the currently agreed level.

15. That revenue and capital funding is used to raise existing play sites to an agreed standard.

Budgets, including external grants such as The Big Lottery Fund and Safer Stronger Communities Fund, are being used to enhance Children's play provision within Tameside. The Council was included in the first tranche of 32 local authorities to secure awards from The Big Lottery Fund. Our allocation is £560,848 (over 2 years).

In addition to traditional play equipment e.g. Seesaws, Roundabouts and Rope Nets consideration is now being given to the installation of the new generation equipment with electronics which is vital to challenge and stimulate children.

We will continue to explore additional funding streams to further enhance these facilities.

16. That criteria for the distribution of play sites be established in order to ensure any additional funding is used effectively.

The new Children's Play Strategy adopted in December 2006 recognised that there should be a minimum of 30 Children's Play sites within Tameside. This matter will be kept under review.

17. That funding continues to be used to develop and maintain the 30 play sites identified in the Strategy for Children's Play.

With new and exciting equipment funding should keep pace with play developments. We continue to apply for Section 106 funds and capital as necessary. We are also exploring other external funding streams to assist with the development of children's play.

18. That the Panel is informed of the completion of the new Cultural Strategy.

The Cultural Strategy for Tameside is in draft form and is to be presented to board in May/June 2007.