Frustrated parents say the delayed opening of a brand new £75,000 Bromley playground is having a "massive impact on the community" in lockdown. 

Kings Meadow, on Burnt Ash Lane, was finally revamped late last year following a long-standing campaign by residents, which helped secure £50,000 funding from the National Lottery and £25,000 from Bromley Council.

Despite work on the equipment having completed, access to the playground is still prohibited due to safety concerns caused by "snagging issues", such as the removal of a skip. 

News Shopper:

Local mum Alison Perry, 42, said: “It’s having a massive impact on the community.

"Friends of Kings Meadow are regularly receiving messages from frustrated members of the community wanting to know when their playground will reopen.

"Our kids’ mental health is important, and playing outdoors in playgrounds is a big part of this - especially for those local families without gardens, and there are a lot of flats which overlook the park.

"I have a 10-year-old who would love to be using the new equipment, and toddler twins whose playgroups and baby classes have all been cancelled in lockdown, so local parks are our only option for getting them outdoors and active.

“But since November, we have had to just walk around the park, and past the padlocked playground.

“And because the site isn’t properly secured, some people are allowing their kids to sneak in to use the new equipment – which is dangerous because of the skip, and frustrating because we have to explain to our kids why we can’t use it."

The new facilities, which include swings, a zip wire and climbing frames, were installed by playground builder Proludic after a two-year campaign led by community group Friends of Kings Meadow.

An attempted removal of the skip caused damage to fragile wet ground, according to the Council, and there remain safety issues with plant beds and greenery.

Council representatives are meeting with Produlic next week, as parents urge them to find a solution.

A council spokesperson said, “The support from local people and the Friends of Kings Meadow has been and remains fantastic and whilst this period is frustrating, we cannot compromise on the standards needed to open this bespoke new play area, especially given this play equipment will be used for many years to come. 

“We know that the Friends of Kings Meadow, who were key to this project, would not expect us to compromise on the build quality.

“The attempted removal of the skip already caused damage to the fragile very wet ground and we do not want to risk further permanent damage. 

“Whilst the weather conditions have caused delays including the skip remaining in situ, there are some snagging issues, including soft landscaping, which would also become safety issues that we need to resolve. 

“When the outcome of the planned meeting with the installer is known, we will update the Friends of Kings Meadow again, so they are aware of the situation. 

“The new play area will then be able to be open later this year when the warmer weather will no doubt make this park an even more popular destination, with the remainder of the park being open.”