Councils across the UK will be given £89m in funding over the next three years as part of the government’s Sustainable Communities initiative, with £16m being given to London councils.

Councils will have until 22 August to bid for a share in the funding money and will be invited to submit plans for improvement or designs for new parks.

Plans can include anything from adventure playgrounds, more park wardens or better lighting for sensory gardens for the blind.

The final decision will be made in November, where 27 schemes across nine British regions (with at least three in London) will be chosen.

Regeneration minister, Yvette Cooper, said: “There are plenty of ideas around to learn from both here and abroad – whether it’s sandcastles on the Seine, outdoor skating in central Leeds, 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.” Details: www.pm.gov.uk