Parents make play equipment bid (From Thurrock Gazette)

Parents make play equipment bid

8:00am Friday 12th October 2012 in News

A GROUP of mums are raising funds for new play equipment after Thurrock Council removed old equipment for saftey reasons.

The ‘log world’ play apparatus, located on the green between Meesons Lane and Parker Road, was removed by the council in April after it became too dangerous.

But due to reduced funding, the council is unable to replace the equipment, leaving many of the 700 children from Stifford Primary School queuing to use the swings that remain.

Now Victoria Seymour, of Roseberry Road, along with friend Paula Chalmers, is beginning to raise £60,000 needed to put new equipment on the site.

The pair have organised a Halloween party in Belmont Village Hall, which will take place on October 31, from 5pm until 8pm, with plans available for all to view.

There will be a fancy dress competition, gruesome grub and ghoulish games, with tickets available from £3.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: “The equipment was the ‘log world’ type that has had to be taken away from several places because it was dangerous and could not be repaired any more.

“Councils across the country are seeing their funding reduced.

“The council has been to the school and is working with children there on the type of equipment they want to see.

“The council has also appointed a playground company and is working with local people and experts to find ways of getting the necessary funds for the site.”

For more details of the bid, e-mail friendsofparkerroad park@gmail.com.