SOUTHEND Council is preparing to spend nearly £1.5million on play areas across the borough over the next four years.

The town has been awarded Playbuilder status by the Government, securing around £1million to invest in at least 20 public play areas.

Over four years the council will also be investing £400,000 of its own money to improve many of Southend’s play areas.

As part of the improvement programme, young people are being invited to help design the sites at a series of events called the Southend Play Journey.

The first will be taking place at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, in Garon Park, Eastern Esplanade, on Saturday between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

It will be focused on gaining views on the development of six play areas at Friars Park, Bournes Green, Lifstan Way, Jones Memorial Ground, Christchurch Road and Blenheim Park.

Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for culture, said: “People coming to events will be encouraged to consider risk and safety, the use of landscaping as a play opportunity, the needs of disabled children and making play spaces attractive.

Council play champion Ann Robertson said: “Play is important in the social and physical development of children and can take many forms.”