Chesterfield children’s playground declared ‘unsafe’

The play equipment at Badger Recreation Park in Brockwell is to be removed after Chesterfield Borough Council carried out a ‘comprehensive inspection’ and deemed it to be dangerous for youngsters.

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The council said it would now work with the local community to create a new ‘play facility’ for children in the area.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Katherine Hollingworth, who represents Brockwell on the council, said: “I am particularly saddened that Badger Recreation Park will be without a children’s play area this summer.

"A local play area is a wonderful way for parents to introduce young children to playground equipment and encourage them to play outdoors with other children in their community.”

Fellow Liberal Democrat Coun Maureen Davenport, who also serves Brockwell on the authority, added: “Residents can rest assured that we are doing all we can to sort this situation and stop the play facility from being lost.”

The councillors are considering setting up a Friends of Badger Park group and anyone who would like to get involved can email Coun Hollingworth via [email protected].

Coun Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at the council, said: “The safety of children using our play areas remains our number one priority.

"Unfortunately, following a comprehensive inspection at Badger Recreation Park, the play area was considered unsafe.

"We have considered the options for repairing the play equipment – but due to its age and the availability of spare parts this would be very difficult.”

She added: “We will be working with the local community to see how we can create a new play facility for families to socialise and for children and young people to play together and get closer to nature.

"A similar approach, which also involved external fundraising, has been used successfully for the recently opened new play area at Princess Street in Brimington and the work currently being undertaken at the Monkey Park in Brampton.”

The council manages a number of parks and play areas in the borough.

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