[26
JAN 99] STRATFORD ON AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
Safety Inspectors Close Play AreaA
children's play area in Stratford is being closed following the introduction of new safety
standards. Council contractors will be removing the apparatus from the play area in the
Recreation Ground this Thursday, 28 January, and hope to complete a new re-designed play
area in the spring.
The closure follows a routine check by Stratford District
Council and independent inspectors, which revealed some problems with the play equipment
and the surface area. New European safety standards governing children's play areas came
into force on 1 January 1999, and the council is arranging for replacement equipment and
surfacing to the new standards.
"In the interests of safety, the District Council will
be removing the equipment from the play area this week," said Cllr Geoff Freeman, the
District Council's Chairman of Community Services.
"I know it will disappointing to all the parents and
children who regularly use this play area, but the safety of the children must come first.
"The equipment is quite old and simply not up to the
new safety standards, a situation that was made worse when this area was flooded last
year. We have now had to bring forward our programme of improvements to the play area that
were originally scheduled for next year."
Work on the main play area will start by April and be
completed in May at an estimated cost of £90,000. Sponsorship or partnership funding is
being sought for subsequent phases of the scheme. Stratford Round Table are aiming to
raise £50,000 to help the project.
MORE INFORMATION:
Mark Lepkowski, press officer on 01789 260104 or
Chris Wood, play area development officer on 01789 260640
e-mail: chris.wood@stratford-dc.gov.uk
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