Playgrounds across England must be protected from being “left to rot” so children can avoid being “glued to screens”, ministers have been told.

A cross-party group of MPs are backing plans which would ensure town halls keep play parks in good order, while housing developers would be required to provide “high quality, accessible, inclusive” areas for play on new build sites.

The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is expected to be considered when the legislation returns to the Commons on Monday.

Some 49 MPs from the Labour Party, the Greens, and the Liberal Democrats, as well independents, have so far signalled their support for the amendment to the Bill, which would introduce a “play sufficiency duty” in England.

Similar measures already exist in Scotland and Wales, and

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