Towns and villages in Herefordshire will be handed the extra responsibility of looking after 15 playgrounds that the county wants shot of.
Herefordshire Council agreed a year ago to invest £1 million in improving play areas and bringing equipment back into operation.
Ahead of this, it said it wanted to transfer them to city, town and parish councils, which would “deliver the capital spend”, and then “have control over (their) long-term future”.
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It has now confirmed its intention to hand over 15 playgrounds to neighbourhood authorities which have “formally applied for and agreed to the transfer”.
Of these, seven are in Ledbury (Browning Road, Kemply Brook, Prince Rupert Road, Yeomans Close, John Lee Road, Deer Park / Villa Way and Childer Road), three are in Leominster (Barons Cross Estate, Ridgemoor Road, St Botolphs), three in Ross-on-Wye (Beech Close, Roman Way, Grammar School Close), and one apiece in Leintwardine (The Criftins) and Wigmore Toddler Play Area).
According to Ledbury town councillor Lesley Wilkinson, “It’s not resolved yet as the financial details haven’t been finalised, or brought to a vote at the town council."
“It will have to be considered very carefully, on the level of financial support and for how long,” she said.
But Leominster councillor Jackie Herschy said: “We are happy to take them on for the benefit of the town – though it’s a big commitment.”
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She added of the three being passed to the town: “I think all of them have some need of repair, refurbishment and new equipment, but they come with some funding.”
Leominster already has a grounds team who are qualified to carry out safety checks on play areas, she pointed out.
Ross-on-Wye Town Council said in its consultation on the proposal in August: “Taking on these additional play parks would create an ongoing financial commitment for the town council and could affect the council tax precept in future years.”
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