Funding axe pulls the plug on popular play rangers

By MIKENEWS | Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 19:09

Community Play Rangers – a regular feature of Walton’s playgrounds and parks for the last 18 months – are to be axed as a result of a cut in government funding.

The government's cost cutting programme has claimed Community Play Rangers, popular at Walton playgrounds, as another victim

Since February 2009 the Community Play Rangers have been providing free play sessions for children and young people, after school in the parks around Elmbridge.

The service has been a great success with a variety of play taking place, which was funded by the Big Lottery. This has ranged from water play to biscuit decorating, from pond dipping to running around with the giant yellow football.

The Play Rangers have also organised two celebrations of play at Molesey Hurst Recreation Ground and it is hoped that as the Play Day event has proved so popular it will become an annual event.

In addition, the Play Rangers have supported community groups and Sure Start Children Centres by attending numerous free events across the borough.

Cllr Jan Fuller, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Cultural Services,

said: "On behalf of the Play Rangers I would like to thank all the children, young people and their families who have supported the project since its launch. We hope this valuable service has provided many hours of enjoyment."