Residents across the Derry City and Strabane Council area have been called to shape the development of a new Play Plan.

A consultation is underway which will allow locals to give views on the development of future play park provision.

A series of meetings will take place over the coming weeks to engage community groups, local politicians, and the public to seek their views on how the strategy should be shaped.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle said: "Council is committed to providing the best play opportunities for all children and the workshops open up that conversation to involve local people in creating a new approach to delivering play provision across Derry and Strabane. We are aware that there are areas that have been overlooked in terms of facilities and this process will help us gain a comprehensive view of existing play provision and those areas of greatest need.

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"I would really encourage local communities to avail of this opportunity to speak out for their own area and ensure that we can develop the best approach to meeting the needs of children of all ages and abilities right across the City and District."

A detailed audit will be carried out as part of the Play Plan process and full review of all current play facilities. A number of areas will be considered including barriers to play and the impacts of social deprivation, as well as exploring the needs of specific groups of children and young people including those with a disability. It will also agree a methodology, rationale and development criteria to guide future investment of fixed play provision.

Play Development Officer with Council, Helen Turton, commented: "The improvement of play provision is a priority for Council and one of a number of objectives outlined in the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane that will help improve the lives of Children and Young people living here.

"Children have the right to be able to play and enjoy the freedom and health benefits of open spaces and play facilities, especially in built up and deprived areas. We want to focus our efforts on identifying where these facilities are needed most and we need the help of local communities to ensure we can develop a targeted and effective strategy."

These events will be followed by separate consultations for children and young people in 2020. Follow up DEA meetings will also be held to present the findings from the consultation process.