Thornton playground wins police award

A children's playground designed to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour has received a police award.

Church Road playground in Thornton has been awarded the Association of Chief Police Officers' Secured by Design Award, a national security initiative aimed at 'designing out crime'.

The play area has been designed and built in line with a series of principles that reduce the potential for crime and antisocial behaviour at the site and minimise the risk of criminal damage and graffiti to the play equipment.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Cabinet member with responsibility for playgrounds at Wyre Council, said: "I'm extremely proud that Church Road playground has received a Secured by Design award, as it is one of only a handful of playgrounds in the North West to achieve the accolade and is now in the company of the London 2012 Olympic Park.

"I hope this recognition will provide additional peace of mind to people and reduce the fear of crime in the community. We've created a safe and enjoyable playground for children while at the same time minimising the risk of any negative impacts that are sometimes associated with play areas."

Alan McInnes from Secured by Design said: "The Secured by Design award means that Wyre Council has created a safe and secure playground for local families and children to enjoy."

Located in a busy recreational area, close to schools, a shopping centre and a health centre, the site is afforded natural surveillance and supervision and is near to existing roads, cycleways and footpaths. It is specifically designed for under 14 year olds with equipment for toddlers situated separately from equipment for older children.

Other design features include fencing that provides a secure boundary; a gate that closes automatically restricting dogs from entering and preventing dog fouling; fencing of a height that allows natural surveillance of the play area from surrounding public areas; and a regular inspection and maintenance programme.

A youth shelter has not been provided at the site due to the target age range of the playground and to prevent groups gathering at night and causing antisocial behaviour.

Wyre Council has invested £50,000 in creating the playground, which opened earlier this year, in consultation with local youth groups who identified a need for a facility in the community.

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