For over 12 months, Council Officers, at the request of Cabinet Member, Cllr Sheila Bailey, have carried out a comprehensive audit of Section 106 monies available for spending on parks and sports facilities.
This audit has produced a total sum of just over £4m, which includes £1.3m not previously allocated to the overall amount available – amounting to a major investment in Stockport’s Play and Sports
Some of the funding has already been allocated but not yet spent but the majority is unallocated. This funding will now be put to good use and enable the Council to focus on a borough-wide programme of investment in play areas and sports facilities.
Cllr Sheila Bailey said: “This comes on top of over £708,000 which Labour has already brought forward for investment in play areas. Now that this audit has taken place we clearly have more funds available to invest in our parks and green spaces which are so valuable to local residents.
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to make this announcement and would like to thank officers for their hard work which has resulted in very good news for Stockport residents.
“Previous administrations have consistently said there is no money for parks. This has resulted in some parks losing equipment, and some equipment being left without proper replacement or refurbishment.
“Now that a comprehensive audit has been completed, it is apparent this was not the case. We have not invented this money, it has been there all the time.
“This funding will now be put to work refurbishing or replacing play areas and sports facilities. This will bring as many of our facilities as possible our up to the quality standards Stockport residents deserve.”