UK Councils to banish 'cotton wool' culture

UK Councils are planning to install thousands of new adventure playgrounds for children in an attempt to diminish the effects of parents 'wrapping their kids in cotton wool'.

Local Authorities have previously clamped down on 'high risk' games and play activities as a result of health and safety fears. However, with a generation of children having endured play grounds with minimal 'play value' and stimulation, the Councils are now planning to bring the adventure back into playgrounds.

More than 3,500 playgrounds will be built or refurbished by 2011 thanks to a new £235 million UK Government scheme and the Local Government Association has vowed to add zip wires, tree houses, tunnels and giant climbing structures in parks.

Council run holiday schemes will also see an increase in adventurous activities including BMXing and surfing.

Councilor Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the UK Local Government Association stated that "children playing outside - getting grass stains on their clothes, twigs in their hair and grazing their knees â is a fundamental part of growing up.

"Children need the opportunity to have adventures and let their imaginations run free, and itâs fantastic that councils are helping provide so many places where that can happen. Crucially, going to a playground or a park is free."

Previous reports have suggested that children are spending an unhealthy amount of time in front of computers and television, often as a result of parental concerns about out-of-home saftey.

Peter Cornall, Head of Leisure Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, explains the trend stating "parents have to accept that their children may get injured and that bumps and grazes are not serious and are all part of growing up."