Playground equipment ‘falling apart’

A PLAYGROUND in Shiplake is “falling apart” and could be replaced to meet modern safety guidelines.

Shiplake Parish Council, which owns the amenity in Badger’s Walk, is considering whether or not to refurbish it.

A report by safety watchdog RoSPA marked the playground down due to broken wooden slats and graffiti on some of the equipment.

An inspection found there was a bolt missing on the climbing frame and unstable slats on the upper deck.

It also found that some equipment did not meet modern regulations, which are updated annually.

Councillor Richard Curtis told a council meeting: “Things are starting to fall apart, some materials remain missing and do not stand in line with the new safety guidelines.”

Chairman Chris Penrose said the council sought quotes to replace the equipment.

Councillor Joanne Stone said the slide was “really lovely” and asked if it could just be serviced.

“It would be such a shame to get rid of a truly charming old slide just to put one of those plastic ones in,” she said. “This one has character.” Parish clerk Roger Hudson said: “There are parts that didn’t seem to require replacement but we can only do what we can do in relation to the report itself.

“The standards do change and the slide wouldn’t comply if you were putting it in now.

“That slide has been in the park for at least 15 years, so if we are renovating everything else, we are really looking at complete restoration.” Councillor Penrose added: “We also need to look at accessibility and could use this opportunity to make a SEN-friendly playground.”

The council has received £17,500 from a VAT reclaim, which it could put towards updating the playground.

Last year, several residents took to the Shiplake community website to discuss the extent of the graffiti.

Erika Wooller said: “The playground looks dreadful and has spoilt a great local resource that our grandchildren love to use.” The playground next to the memorial hall was found to meet the RoSPA safety regulations.

Mr Hudson said: “The inspection report indicated the playground was in very good health.

“However, there is a moderate level of risk with the fitness
equipment.”

Cllr Curtis said: “The risk was moderate due to the nature of the equipment as it is mainly for adults to use.”