One of the many changes during my lifetime has been the move from active outdoor child’s play to a more sedentary, indoors, isolationist, iPad existence.

Is it any wonder therefore that while approx. five per cent of children were classified as obese in 1980, that figure is now nearer 30 per cent? We are building a major long -term health problem, and this ought to be of concern to us all.

The pandemic has not helped of course, as lockdown ensured many were restricted in their options, but as a society we need to rethink our attitude to encouraging children to play outdoors.

There are numerous benefits; some perhaps more obvious than others, and tomes have been written on the topic.

Obesity can bring with it cardiovascular problems, asthma and diabetes issues plus sleep deprivation. Physical activity reduces obesity, improves strength and mobility and exposure to sunlight is another benefit, aiding the immune system. Therefore, there are very good reasons for outdoor physical activity, but the benefits are far more and far reaching.

Children develop social and communication skills from interaction in playgrounds and on sports pitches; they gain self-awareness and self-confidence to say nothing of an appreciation of the environment, the seasons and the glories of nature.

I could continue with many more benefits, not least of course that friendships between children (and parents) emerge from playground and sporting activity.

We must break the dependence on indoor TV screen fixation and get our young people outside, and enjoying activity. I purposely stress ‘enjoying’. As we all know, you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Similarly, if a child doesn’t enjoy we are wasting our time. It may be a walk on the moor; it may be a kick about with a ball in a park; it may be a swim or a cycle ride or it may be a visit to a play park. Whatever it is, it needs to catch the child’s imagination and leave them with a positive feeling, so they are keen to come back for more.

I am therefore particularly pleased that the current administration at Teignbridge has invested and is continuing to invest significantly in children’s play.

In the last few days for instance, £150,000 has been allocated to the refurbishment of the Ashburton Road play area in Newton Abbot, while £280,000 has been ear marked for The Den in Teignmouth.

These works will be undertaken in time for this summer. Teignbridge is working closely with Dawlish Town Council on projects for the Manor Gardens and Dawlish Lawn play areas.

All this in addition to significant improvements at Decoy, Bakers Park and Higher Woodway in Teignmouth.

Much of this work is the direct result of various housing developments in the district, with funding coming from Section 106 and/or CIL contributions ( the money developers have to pay towards community facilities within the District).

In total Teignbridge manages 45 play areas, and with the very positive news regarding the Teignmouth Lido, I think it fair to say that Teignbridge Liberal Democrats are not only keeping their promises to enhance play provision locally, but are ‘going the extra mile’.

The social, physical, emotional and psychological evolution of all of us depends on so many inter related factors, but one important one is unquestionably the availability to take outdoor recreation.

Teignbridge Council is to be applauded for what it is contributing in that sector.