Richard was invited by Cllr Bill Bishop to support a bid for ‘Playbuilder Funding’ by Suffolk County Council and Forest Heath District Council for an innovative new play area at Brandon Countrypark. The Countrypark attracts a high level of visitors. It currently has play provision for young children up to the age of 8, but lacks a dedicated play area for 8 – 13 year olds. The Playbuilder Funding is specifically aimed at address a national lack of provision for this age range.

Richard said after his visit: “When Cllr Bishop approached me to support the application I wanted to see the proposed site at Brandon Countrypark and the plans for myself so that I could gain a full understanding of what would be involved. Young children in the 8 – 13 year old age range need physical stimulation, and any project which encourages them to play outside in a safe environment must be applauded.”

Richard was also approached by the Community Development Department at Forest Heath District Council to support their bid for ‘Playbuilder Funding’ for a separate project which is to refurbish the present play equipment and improve play facilities for Douglas Park in Mildenhall. Richard met Matt Vernon, Community Development Officer at Forest Heath District Council, to discuss the plans and then visited the site at Douglas Park. He was accompanied by the Deputy Leader of Forest Heath District Council, Cllr Nigel Roman.

After his meeting Richard said: “I would like to support Forest Heath District Council in its application for Playbuilder Building and was glad to learn more about the project. It was helpful to see the plans and the site in order to determine what can be done.