Southwark Playgrounds to get £300,000 injection from Liberal Democrat Councillors

Liberal Democrat councillors have allocated £300,000 of investment into almost 30 playgrounds in North Bermondsey, Borough and Bankside, and Surrey Docks. 

The funding forms part of ward-level allocations of the Community Infrastructure Levy – which is money collected from big housing developments intended to offset disruption caused, and let communities feel the benefits of development in their area.  

Southwark Liberal Democrats understand that many of the playgrounds on Southwark housing estates were earmarked for closure on health and safety grounds, but this injection of cash is set to save them.  

This comes after three playgrounds in Bermondsey - on the Kirby Estate, the Rouel Road Estate and the Abbeyfield Estate - were voted amongst the ‘saddest’ play areas in London, with local children describing them as “nasty” and “lonely”. The play space on the Kirby Estate is still closed due to safety issues, but the funding allocated by the Liberal Democrats will see it reopened and upgraded. 

The allocations also includes a £100,000 boost to creating a new Russia Dock Woodland Adventure Playground, which had previously been dismantled by the Labour council. 

Borough and Bankside councillors have also set aside funds to upgrade playgrounds such as Maiden Lane playground near Borough Market. 

The Liberal Democrats understand that the plans have been approved by officers, and are awaiting final rubber-stamping from the Cabinet member.  

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Rachel Bentley said:  

“Playgrounds have been neglected by this Labour council for years, if not decades, and we’re seeing that reflected in the appalling state they’re now in. After being threatened with closure due to this lack of investment, we’re delighted to be able to allocate enough money to not just save these playgrounds, but also give them a whole new lease of life for a new generation of children and parents to enjoy”.