Playgrounds became hard work for council leaders

THERE was a promise to make South Derbyshire playgrounds safer in 1979 after collaboration between councils.

The news was announced in the first week of January and involved the commencement of three-month inspections and maintenance on all playground equipment including swings and roundabouts.

At the policy and resources committee of South Derbyshire District Council, members were told that there was a growing awareness of the need for providing standards of safety.

This came about because a growing number of parish councils in South Derbyshire requested advice and assistance when it came to the inspection and maintenance of equipment.

While such help had been available before on a more informal basis, it was decided that a more coordinated approach of maintenance procedures

was needed.

In the weeks before Christmas in 1978, the meeting heard how 14 of the district’s 16 parish councils supported the formation of a more joined-up approach.

Also on the horizon on a national basis was the establishment of the British Standard system and therefore, work needed to take place quickly.

Councillors heard how under the new British Standard scheme, the council’s insurance would take over insurance of all playgrounds but as a

result, maintenance and inspection was needed.

Speaking in January 1979, Don Rose the council’s deputy chief technical officer said he didn’t anticipate having to take on extra staff but the new schedule meant the greasing of roundabouts every three months and a greater emphasis placed on areas of corrosion and vandalism which would lead to increased painting and remedial works.

Mr Rose did, however, suggest that to maintain the schedule, outside contractors may be required.

The carefree days of children’s play parks started to change in the late 1970s with the introduction of the British Standard system making sure all equipment was regularly maintained, inspected and tested.

Pictured is play equipment at the Maurice Lea Memorial Park and (inset) damaged fencing like this in Newhall pictured in the late 1970s became an urgent priority for councils.