A new recreation area in Morecambe and a play area in Lancaster are set to benefit from funding from ‘Transform Your Patch‘ – a community-led regeneration scheme supported by some of Britain’s favourite soft drinks.

‘Transform Your Patch’ is a partnership between environmental regeneration charity, Groundwork and drinks brands from Britvic and PepsiCo and one of the most ambitious schemes to take place in the UK.

Groundwork has identified around 165 exciting recreational projects of various sizes across 12 regions to receive funding from the scheme including playgrounds, picnic areas and parks, skate parks and 5-a-side football pitches.

The provision of a community recreational area at Claypitts field and enhancement of Ryelands Park play area are two of the projects selected to receive funding.

Plans for a new recreational facility at Claypitts on Out Moss Lane in Morecambe were unveiled last year by Lancaster City Council and designers Groundwork when funding became available to develop play facilities at the site as a result of developments in the area.

Play areas for both toddlers and older children are now in place and thanks to additional funding from ‘Transform your Patch’, the multi-use games area (MUGA) at the site which includes a 5-a-side football pitch can now look forward to being enhanced even further with the provision of a seating area for spectators.

Meanwhile in Lancaster, work has been ongoing to extend the play area in Ryelands Park to make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The additional funding will mean that final plans for the play area will be ready by July with a view to work starting in Autumn this year.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: “We’re thrilled that two of our ongoing projects to provide young people with somewhere safe and exciting to play have been selected to receive funding from the ‘Transform Your Patch’ campaign. I am sure these recreation facilities will be of great benefit to local children and families for many years to come.”

“And there’s more good news. Ryelands Park and Claypitts have been put forward as flagship projects under the scheme and everyone is invited to vote for them throughout the summer to receive even more funding from ‘Transform your Patch’ and help improve them even further.

“Simply visit www.transformyourpatch.com and then spread the word!”