New Fareham playground declared 'fundamentally safe' despite widespread concerns from thousands of local parents about lack of fencing
The play area remains closed until an independent inspection report is received
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has declared the new play area in Fareham town centre as “safe” despite widespread concerns from local parents.
The park has been constructed without a fence enclosing the equipment, sparking concerns around child safety.
An independent inspection by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has confirmed that the play area is fundamentally safe, with the final written report still awaited. Fareham Borough Council has said it will review the findings in full before the play area is opened.
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Councillors were previously sent an invitation to the park opening, dated for September 30. The council is now saying it had never confirmed an opening date, and is still unsure when the park will open.
Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said: “Children’s safety is absolutely paramount, and we will not open the play area until we have received and carefully considered the final independent inspection report.
“We know there has been a great deal of discussion about the new play area, and I want residents to know that we are genuinely listening to the concerns and feedback being raised. We understand that people care deeply about the facilities available to local families, and we take those views very seriously.
“This is a new type of play area for Fareham, and we recognise that people will want to see how it works in practice. Opening it will not be the end of the conversation. We want families to be able to use the space, experience it for themselves and tell us honestly what they think.
“Once the play area is in use, we will continue to listen to residents and consider whether there are practical enhancements that could make the space work better for the children and families that use it.
“Our aim is simple: to provide a safe, welcoming and well-used play space that families can enjoy as part of the town centre. We want to get this right, and listening to the people who will use it is an important part of that.”
Councillor Gemma Furnivall, who has been outspoken about her concerns about the play park, started a petition to allow others to voice their opinions over the lack of fencing.
She said: “I really welcome the fact that the council have commented publicly on the play area and I applaud the measured and listening approach outlined in Cllr Burgess's statement. My views on the safety of this facility are unchanged and over a thousand people have signed the petition saying that they agree that fencing is needed.
“As there is no opening date confirmed there is plenty of time for the council to absorb both the risk assessment and the strength of public feeling and to come up with planned solutions to both before the facility opens, even if those adjustments are added later.
“I’ve had positive conversations and visits to the sites and I’m satisfied that the council officers understand fully the risks people are worried about and the implications of having a large section of the community saying they won’t be able to access this facility. Their role in this is to outline the choices for the decision makers moving forwards.
“I am still asking for an opportunity for concerned parents to meet with officers and councillors and I have asked that fencing installation is considered as one of the options moving forward. The Conservative executive now get to decide on whether they wish to proceed with their vision for this area (that particularly excludes SEND families, parents of multiple small children, and disabled or elderly carers of children) or not.
“My fervent hope is that they will keep exploring safer options for all families prior to opening the facility but that decision will rest now, very firmly, with the Conservative leaders. The petition continues to gain signatures and, if it reaches the required 1500 signatures, will trigger a debate at full council, another chance for residents to contribute and to be sure their voices are heard about their community facilities.”