Refurbishment of a play park and improvements to a skate park have received a boost - thanks to developer contributions.

It comes as more than £140,000 has been allocated to four community projects in East Suffolk.

With the new Local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund created in April, applications from projects in Beccles, Blundeston, Rendlesham and Southwold have now been approved.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a fee which East Suffolk Council charges developers when new development is built in the district - and then CIL can then be put towards improvements to local infrastructure, such as play areas, schools, transport schemes and GP surgeries.

With funding of up to £50,000 available to projects located in, or close to, an area where new development is taking place, the project must be deliverable in the short term.

Projects must also be 50 per cent match-funded, be identified in a Neighbourhood Plan or Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan and be supported by the local East Suffolk ward member.

With the CIL Spending Working Group having now agreed funding for four community play areas, the schemes benefitting are:

• Waveney Meadow Project, Beccles (£22,000) – to revitalise an existing public space, providing landscaping, quay heading, improved access to the river frontage including for wheelchair users, and replacement play equipment which allows for inclusive play.

• Blundeston Play Park refurbishment (£25,000) – to replace and improve the play provision at the village hall play area.

• Klondyke Skate Park, Southwold (£50,000) – to build an updated concrete skatepark suitable for all ages and technical abilities.

• Skate Park and Nature Walk, Rendlesham (£50,000) - to provide a new skate park and fully accessible nature walk, suitable for all users including wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with reduced mobility.

Kay Yule, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said: "These are the first allocations of our Local Community Infrastructure Levy fund, and we are delighted to be able to channel contributions from new development towards smaller community projects which will positively impact on the lives of residents."