Bournemouth play parks are a 'health and safety risk'

Two of the areas in Kings and Queens parks in Bournemouth have been fenced off by the local authority and there is no end in sight for when they’ll be reopened. 

Springbourne resident Brian Jenner said the closures looked like the “urban decay of Bournemouth” and the “decline of public realm”. 

The father recently took his young son to play on the climbing frame at Boscombe’s Kings Park, but both were left disappointed when they discovered it was closed. 

(Image: Daily Echo)

He said: “The council must be terrified of legal action against them if a child was to play on it, but parents should be allowed to let their children play on the parks at their own risk. 

“This is urban decay, it’s contagious and sends everything down. Decay attracts decay, it’s being neglected. 

“Just let the kids play on it – I assume the Lib Dems are more health and safety conscious than what the Tories were.” 

Kings Park play park (Image: Daily Echo)

(Image: Daily Echo)

A sign outside the two play parks reads: “This piece of equipment has been closed due to health and safety concerns. Please do not enter.” 

Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, was asked what was wrong with the play parks and when they will be repaired, but she could not provide an answer. 

She said: "We understand the importance of play areas for our youngest residents across the BCP area, but safety has to be our top priority.  

“Our dedicated parks team regularly inspect all play equipment, and if any items are found to be potentially unsafe, whether due to damage or nearing the end of their lifespan, we will need to restrict access to protect the public. 

Closed play area in Queen's Park (Image: Daily Echo)

“Given the challenging economic climate affecting all local authorities, it's essential that the council prioritises its statutory services.  

“We are, however, currently assessing the opportunity for essential future repairs across all 179 play and wheeled facilities, but this process will take time.” 

She added that this will eventually feed into the council’s draft ‘play strategy’, which assesses the current facilities and any future needs.