A champion way of playing

That person, Coun Linda Burgess, who is already cabinet spokeswoman for children, young people and families, says she aims promote the value of play and raise its profile at a senior political level within the council.

A children’s play strategy has been developed for Barnsley, and the council is to apply to the Big Lottery Fund for half a million pounds to establish more children’s play projects.

Coun Burgess said: “Play is of fundamental importance for children and young people’s health and wellbeing, their relationships, development and learning.

“Access to good play activities can contribute significantly to reducing aggression, violence and anti-social behaviour, poor emotional intelligence and poor physical health.”

Coun Burgess said the play strategy is the first stage of a three year project to make sure that all children and young people in Barnsley have access to positive and rewarding play experiences.

The proposed bid for lottery funding will focus on developing a themed play facility in Locke Park and using sport and activity forum workers to set up more play activities across the borough.