DISTRICT councillor Andrew Loy (Conservative, Ilkley & Ben Rhydding) has urged Bradford Council to commit significant funding for a full refurbishment of Backstone Way playground in Ben Rhydding, including the provision of accessible equipment.

At a recent meeting of Bradford Council, Cllr Loy asked: “Given that £90,000 of public fundraising was required to top up council funding for the riverside playground, and given that Backstone Way is heavily used by children from local primary schools and lacks accessible equipment for children with mobility issues, can we have assurance that Backstone Way will receive proper funding?”

The question was asked at a full meeting of Bradford Council on July 12 and in its response the council stated: "This play area, together with others presenting in the same condition across the district are identified for refurbishment works in the third and final phase of the Playable Spaces Refurbishment Programme which will commence when the current phase completes at the end of the year. The total budget for the works at the site (which will include the remaining £8k Section 106 monies allocated to the ward) will be able to be circulated to the ward when the Parks Technical Officer has been allocated to develop and prepare cost estimates for the refurbishment works necessary."

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr Loy added: “The Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks did a fantastic job raising money for the refurbishment of the riverside playground, but residents wouldn’t have had to contribute if Bradford Council had provided sufficient funding, and Ilkley and Ben Rhydding residents already pay one of the highest levels of council tax in the district.

“It is disappointing that the portfolio holder wouldn’t make any firm commitment regarding funding, but I will continue to push for this much-needed investment, and I am keen to hear residents’ views on this.”

Cllr Kyle Green (Conservative, Ilkley & Ben Rhydding) said: “Backstone Way playground is a well used and important playground for children in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding especially given its location next to two primary schools.

“It is absolutely vital that the playground receives significant funding from Bradford Council to provide a safe playing space for children, especially given the park so far has no equipment suitable for children with mobility issues and given the lack of playgrounds in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding.”