Playground cash – it’s swings & roundabouts

Published: 17 September, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

HUNDREDS of parents and children have been left in the dark over the future of 10 Islington playgrounds as the coalition government stalls on deciding which schemes to axe.

Last month ministers announced that funding – put aside for the previous Labour government’s Playbuilder scheme – for the refurbishment or rebuilding of 10 planned playgrounds – has been frozen, causing an outcry .

The Department for Education had promised to make a decision by August 30 but the deadline has come and gone and no decision has been made.

Work on four play areas – Barnard Park, Three Corners and Timbuktu adventure playgrounds and Caledonian Park – has begun but there are fears it may be halted mid-way if funding is pulled. 

Another six planned playgrounds – at Myddelton Square, Arundel Square, Ringcross estate, Mayville estate, Highbury Quadrant estate and Quill Street estate – may not see a penny of the promised funds.

The DfE is refusing to give a new date for the final list to be announced.

Islington Labour councillors fear the government will use the October spending review, when mass cuts will be announced, to “bury” the bad news.

Islington had been allocated £1.173 million for the scheme.

Richard Watts, Islington Council executive member for children and young people, said: “It’s grossly unfair for government ministers like (junior education) Sarah Teather and (schools secretary) Michael Gove to cut playgrounds for children in Islington. 

“It’s even worse that they’re so incompetent that they can’t even tell us which ones are for the chop.

“As a former Islington Liberal Democrat councillor, Sarah Teather owes it to families to end the suspense about the cuts she is making. The government’s spending cuts are unfair and unnecessary. They hit the most vulnerable hardest.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “Play capital has been frozen while it is under review. This is taking time but we hope to report back shortly.

“Play is important for children and families, but investment has got to be realistic and affordable. Local authorities will be notified of revised play capital allocations in due course.”