Father questions consultation over closure plans plan

11:48am Tuesday 28th November 2006

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A father fears a proposal to close several council-owned playgrounds in Oxford will be pushed through, regardless of the outcome of a public consultation.

Dermot Nolan, of Cholsey Close, Cowley, believes Oxford City Council wants to sell the land for housing and has overestimated the cost of updating the play areas.

Council officers say 16 of the city's 97 playgrounds are surplus to requirements, as there are similar facilities nearby.

The council has graded the condition of each site and estimated the cost of repairing it.

Sites considered to be underused, which are in areas where there are alternative facilities, have been earmarked for closure.

Mr Nolan, who has two daughters Sarah, one, and Charley, six months, said: "I suspect the council wants to sell some land and make some money.

"I believe we're in a consultation period, but my experience of change management is that decisions are made and consultations are part of the process, so that later the powers-that-be can say there was consensus.

"I hope this isn't the case on this occasion."

Mr Nolan said the Cholsey Close play area was used by children from Cholsey Close, Burgan Close, Barns Road, Dodgson Road and Liddell Road, because they did not have to cross a main road, which they did to reach the new Barns Road play area.

He said: "The £37,000 they claim they need to refurbish it is ridiculous. All there is in there is three swings, a slide and two rocking animals."

Council spokesman Chris Lee said: "The aim of our play area action plan is to increase the standard of play facilities and ensure provision meets demand.

"Unfortunately, some of these play areas are in such poor condition that refurbishment would be extremely costly and may not represent value for money.

"We will, however, take all feedback received from our consultation into account when making the final decision."

Other areas where the review has caused protests include Wood Farm and Barton, where parents and councillors have criticised proposed closures.

Play areas in Wood Farm - Chillingworth Crescent, Masons Road and Titup Hall Drive - and Barton - Bernwood Park - are recommended for closure.

Residents in Northway estate also fear for the play area in Foxwell Drive.

To give your views, see www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure/play consultation.cfm