Following Lib Dem pressure on the Labour Government, to implement the long awaited seven-year-old manifesto commitment for playgrounds, two High Street park play areas are to be given a facelift starting next week.

Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks are in the first wave of the twenty-two Waltham Forest playgrounds identified for upgrading.

New play equipment will be installed in the two parks between Monday 22nd February and 31st March 2010.

In welcoming the improvements High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke, said: “We must ensure this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder responsible for parks must keep a constant eye on the state of our playgrounds to stop vandalism, litter and graffiti.”

Signs have been placed at all park entrances advising of the works and apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Waltham Forest Liberal Democrat Councillors ensured green spaces and playing fields are properly reflected in Council policies and practices despite Labour attempts to water down a Lib Dem motion at the last Full Council meeting.

People from across the borough told Lib Dem Councillors that they felt their open spaces and sports facilities were under threat and that the Council did not represent their concerns in protecting these facilities.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “We were not surprised that the Labour party tried to play down the risk by making a poor amendment to our original motion by saying there was not a ‘threat’ to our green spaces.”

“Clearly, Labour are not in tune with the residents of Waltham Forest who are definitely concerned for the future of our green spaces and sports facilities.” he added.

Labour’s attempt to weaken the motions wording was voted down and the Lib Dem motion to protect our playing fields, green spaces and sports facilities was unanimously passed.

Earlier this year High Street Lib Dem Focus Team exclusively announced that Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks will each receive £47,497 and £47,900, respectively, to upgrade the children’s play areas. 

Following Lib Dem pressure the long awaited seven-year-old Labour Government manifesto commitment for playgrounds resulted in Waltham Forest, eventually, receiving £1.1 million.

Cllr James O’Rourke said “Whilst this is welcome we must ensure this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder responsible for parks must keep a constant eye on the state of our playgrounds to stop vandalism, litter and graffiti etc”.

Twenty-two playgrounds have been identified for upgrading over the next seventeen months with Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks in the first wave of eleven to be completed by 31st March 2010.

Prior to upgrading the children’s play areas the Council are conducting the long awaited survey to find out what you think of the quality and play value of the current equipment. In particular, they are asking what improvements you would like to see and what issues might prevent you from using the existing facilities.

Households will receive the survey through letterboxes over coming days. Alternatively, you can complete the survey online by clicking here.

Liberal Democrat pressure has resulted in £100,000 being invested in two High Street playgrounds. Coppermill Park will receive £47,497 and Stoneydown Park £47,900.

The investment is part of the long awaited seven-year-old Labour Government manifesto commitment for playgrounds which resulted in Waltham Forest, eventually, receiving £1.1 million.

“We must ensure that this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder keeps a constant eye on the state of playgrounds to stop vandalism, litter and graffiti etc” said Cllr James O’Rourke.

The provision of traditional play equipment will be challenged to incorporate natural play concepts, developed through full consultation with the community and other key stakeholders. The upgraded play facilities will be fully Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant enabling children with disabilities to enjoy the playground alongside children without disabilities.

Cllr O’Rourke continued: ” I look forward to the consultation on how residents wish to see this money spent and challenge the portfolio holder to develop innovative playgrounds fit for the 21st century.”