Rotherhithe Playground Removed Over Safety Concerns, Mums Say It’s Worse Now

Rotherhithe: So, the council decided to take down this popular playground, right? It was a wooden play area that a bunch of volunteers put together a few years back. Local mums were totally blindsided when they found out it was gone without any heads-up.

One mum, Charlotte Arnold, who works at a nearby creche, said they used to hang out there all the time, especially in the summer. It was a cozy little spot, perfect for kids to play and even have birthday parties. But when they noticed the equipment disappearing, they thought it was just getting a facelift. Turns out, it was gone for good.

Charlotte was pretty upset about it. She mentioned how all those volunteers put in so much effort, and now it feels like a slap in the face. The council claimed the playground was removed due to health and safety risks, saying the wood decayed too quickly. But locals are wondering if the council even bothered to maintain it.

Now, Charlotte’s worried that the area is actually more dangerous than before. There are deep holes and tree stumps everywhere, making it unsafe for little ones. Since the news broke, the council has sent people to fill in some holes, but it still feels sketchy.

Councillor Portia Mwangangye said they understand the disappointment but insisted that safety comes first. She mentioned that while this playground is out of commission, there are other parks nearby where families can still enjoy some playtime.