IT may be known for its large population of elderly residents but this time it’s the youngsters in Highcliffe who will be benefiting from a funding windfall.

Since losing out on a People’s Millions lottery grant in October 2007, long-awaited play facilities have had to fight for their fair share of funding.

But thanks to government grant towards play facilities throughout Christchurch to the tune of £200,000, the scheme has been granted the go-ahead to proceed with their plans.

Two designs, similar in content, have been drafted, with local primary and secondary school students deciding which one each school would prefer.

The proposal includes plans for a new ballpark, with equipment for netball, basketball and football as well as other new facilities.

And although the plans have drawn slight opposition from residents near the recreation ground about the prospect of possible anti-social behaviour and noise, the chairman of the Highcliffe Residents Association, John Mather, says the majority of the community is behind the scheme.

According to Mr Mather, the facilities will be divided with an area for the 8-12 year-olds and the ball park designed for 14-16 year olds.

He said: “My two girls grew up in this area and despite there being two good schools here, they always said there was nowhere for them to go.

“While we are biased in favour of the older generation it seems unfair not to support our youth and we hope these facilities will go some way towards doing that.”

Once Highcliffe St Mark’s Junior School has chosen their favourite design, the plans will move to open consultation, with the best option ready to be installed by March 2010.