Residents Demand Reinstatement of Playground

Petition to be collected to restore swings to Stamford Brook Common

A group of local residents are in the process of collecting a petition to attempt to get a playground in a local park reinstated. The facility on Stamford Brook Common was removed by workmen in August. According to people who live near the park and regular users, there was no consultation undertaken with local residents. When questioned workmen at the site said that it was being removed for 'health and safety' reasons. Fencing was taken out that was only installed the previous year.

People concerned about the playground say that their initial attempts to get a response from Hounslow Council about the issue proved fruitless. The issue was brought up at a recent meeting of the Chiswick Area Committee where they received the support of all three local councillors for the reinstatement of the play equipment. The cost of replacement is likely to be significant. Cllr. John Todd is investigating the possibility of section 106 money being available. These are funds which are made available as a condition of planning permission being granted.

Residents are in the process of compiling a petition with a view to presenting it to the full Council meeting on 14th December.

The Hounslow Labour group say that a cut in Government funding has reduced money available for playgrounds. In 2009 Hounslow Council was awarded £1.1 million Play Builder from the previous government to build 22 playgrounds in the borough. 11 playgrounds had been completed in the borough when in August the new government decided to freeze allocating the remainder of this grant. Cllr Lily Bath has successfully lobbied the Government to have some of the grant re-instated. However the amount is not enough to complete the whole programme.

Cllr. Bath Lead Member for Children, Youth and Families said, “It is disappointing that the government has decided to cut some of this funding which will probably mean that not all the play projects can now be completed, some of which were to be located on housing estates and schools. However, I am pleased that we have not lost all the funding and work can continue on this important programme which will greatly improve the much needed play facilities for children in the borough.”

We have asked Hounslow Council about potential options for Stamford Brook Common playground but have yet to receive a response.

November 10, 2010