Play area plans
The Council has faced unprecedented cuts in Government funding and by the end of this year will have saved £110m from its budget since 2010. By 2020, the Council has to find another £20m.
As a result, some very tough decisions have had to be made. The Council has been working with communities and groups such as parish and town councils to find solutions to minimise the impact wherever possible. This has already seen the preservation of a number of libraries and many local Community Centres, and the Council hopes to do more.
Reducing the number of play areas the Council maintains was put forward as one of a number of budget saving ideas in 2015, saving the Council £20k annually.
At the time of the budget consultation, there were no objections from the community, parish and town councils or local councillors and this proposal was included as part of the 2016 budget for implementation during 2017/18.
Out of 129 play areas, 11 were identified for removal. These were ones that had limited play equipment, play equipment coming to the end of its useful life or were having issues with nuisance and anti-social behaviour. In each case there are other play areas nearby.
Parish and town councils and local councillors have been kept informed of what is happening and the Council has also sent letters to local residents who live by the areas, explaining what is happening.
Anyone wanting more information can email EM.ServiceDevelopment@telford.gov.uk
