COUNCIL bosses in York and North Yorkshire could win millions of pounds of Government cash to regenerate run-down parks and open spaces.

City of York Council and district councils across the county are being urged to bid for a chunk of £89 million earmarked for public spaces over the next three years.

Officials must submit plans for improvements or designs for new parks.

Adventure playgrounds, park wardens, improved lighting and sensory gardens for the blind could be included in the blueprints, said the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Twenty-seven schemes will be chosen in November.

The aim is to spruce up neglected parks - many blighted by dog mess, litter, vandalism and fly tipping - cut crime and improve residents' health while preventing private playing fields being snapped up by developers.

Culture Minister Yvette Cooper said: "Everyone knows what a difference it makes to have a great park or open space nearby for the kids to play and the whole family to enjoy, especially at this time of year during the school holidays.

"We have a great tradition of city parks, town squares and village greens. But for too long our public spaces have been neglected.

"People want parks and public spaces that are clean, safe and green. We want to sponsor innovative projects to reclaim our parks and community spaces.

"There are plenty of ideas around to learn from both here and abroad - whether it's sand castles on the Seine, outdoor ice skating or something as simple as employing a park warden to keep play areas safe and clean.

"Now we want to sponsor new innovative projects to reclaim our parks and community spaces for everyone to enjoy."

Elsa Davies, director of the National Playing Fields Association, said: "Hopefully, this will start to turn around the chronic lack of investment over the years.

"It is extremely important that in every community there is somewhere for people of all ages, but particularly children, to play."

The £89 million comprises of £12 million revenue funding and £77 million capital funding.

Councils will initially be given between £200,000 and £400,000 to pay for improving parks and open spaces.

Updated: 08:52 Wednesday, August 06, 2003