Playgrounds escape spending cuts in Essex

Extra playgrounds will be built across Essex as a result of funding announced in the Spending Review.

The county council had planned to provide 13 playgrounds with a £615,000 grant from the Department for Education.

But the project was put on hold during the Spending Review.

Now the council has been told it will still receive the money which will benefit areas including Waltham Abbey, Witham and Billericay.

County councillor Sarah Candy said: "It is vitally important for children and young people in Essex to have access to free places to play.

"I am sure that local communities will join me in expressing delight that these projects can now be continue".

Work should be finished by March 2011, a council spokeswoman said.