Labour Councillors on the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee voted this week in favour of plans to spend £3 million on refurbishing the city’s playgrounds over the next four years.

The last time a significant sum was spent on Brighton and Hove’s playgrounds was in 2010, when many got new equipment. Increased use during lockdown has meant some play equipment has come to the end of its life sooner than expected.

Lead Opposition Spokesperson on the Committee, Councillor Gary Wilkinson won approval for the refurbishment programme to be informed by consultation with disability groups in order to improve disability access to local playgrounds.

He said,

‘As a parent I am aware that our playgrounds must provide children, parents, carers and people of all abilities inclusive access and the opportunity to move throughout the play space easily, safely and independently.

It is only right that local disability groups and other stakeholders are consulted on this in order to inform the playground refurbishment programme.’

Refreshing our play equipment across Brighton & Hove is an opportunity to make our City more inclusive.

Councillor Wilkinson added,

‘We know how important accessible playgrounds and suitable play equipment is. Disabled access and facilities should be included in all our play areas, and I am committed to improving our playground offer to as wide a range of abilities as we can.’

Cllr Gary Wilkinson
Lead Opposition Spokesperson for Environment, Transport and Sustainability
Brighton & Hove City Council
Email: gary.wilkinson@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Photo: https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2021/01/21/3million-to-be-spent-on-citys-dilapidated-playgrounds/