Oldham to receive £18m government funding for playgrounds

Oldham is set to receive £18 million in government funding to develop playgrounds across the borough, targeting areas where children face the highest levels of income deprivation. The funding, announced by Communities Secretary Steve Reed, will be shared among 66 communities nationwide, with Oldham among those selected to benefit from the investment.

The money will be used to create new play spaces and upgrade existing playgrounds, ensuring children in the most deprived areas have access to quality facilities. Unlike previous schemes, councils will receive the funding directly without having to bid or compete against other areas, potentially speeding up the development process.

The selection process focused on areas with the highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play facilities. Labour has indicated that councils receiving the funding are being encouraged to buy British when carrying out the playground developments, supporting local businesses and manufacturers.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the government is determined to give communities the tools, funding, and power they need to rebuild. 'People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they're run,' he said. 'From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we're putting power back in people's hands.

Oldham Council was approached for comment on how the funding will be allocated across the borough. The investment aims to restore pride in local areas and ensure children in deprived communities have safe, quality spaces to play and develop.