Play area plan grant boost for Lytham

Plans for a new attraction in Lytham have been handed a major boost after a £415,000 Lottery application was approved for the next stage of consideration.
An open day for the proposals held last month. Below: The former Scruples site.An open day for the proposals held last month. Below: The former Scruples site.
An open day for the proposals held last month. Below: The former Scruples site.

Plans for a proposed new sand and water play area, on the site of the former Scruples venue, on the town’s foreshore, has been put forward by the team behind the award-winning Park View 4U, which transformed former boggy playing fields in Park View Road, in the town, into a major park packed with play facilities.

The application for funding to the National Lottery-backed Coastal Communities Fund is for cash to be made available to develop the former Scruples site into a state-of-the-art children’s zone.

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The project would also include a beach style hut selling refreshments, ice cream, drinks and snacks, which Park View 4U says will create new jobs. Coun Tim Ashton, who represents the town on Lancashire County Council, has welcomed the news that the bid has moved on to the next stage. He said: “It’s about time something was done with it.

The former Scruples site, Lytham.The former Scruples site, Lytham.
The former Scruples site, Lytham.

“It’s an eyesore and has been for some time.

“They’ve done a great job at Park View playing fields and there’s no reason they can’t do a great job on this site.

“It’s long overdue and I’m proud to support the scheme.

“It’s got my full backing and full support.”

A recent consultation on the scheme carried out by Park View 4U found 722 residents were in favour of the new project, and just six against.

A consultation day was held last month at the site to give the public a chance to see the plans.

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Park View 4U chairman Aurelio Arciniega said: “At the moment there isn’t anything for children to do on or near Lytham Green.

“At the moment they can go there with their parents and kick a ball around or play cricket but there isn’t anything to do. Children love to play in the water and that’s what we’re trying to do with this.”

As the bid for funding continues, the scheme is also to be put before Fylde Council’s scrutiny committee for consideration before a formal planning application is made by the group.

Previously Lytham Foreshore had numerous tourist attractions including a pier, a sandpit, a paddling pool, donkey’s beach swings and much more. A statement from Park View 4U said: “Our project will turn this derelict site into a tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike.”

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