Parents' pleas for park refurb backed by MP (From Times Series)

Parents' pleas for park refurb backed by Hendon MP Matthew Offord

3:58pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

Parents pushing for the refurbishment of a dilapidated park are being backed in their bid for funding by the Hendon MP.

The group of campaigners, led by mother-of-two Nathalie Misul, hopes to raise cash from green space charities and organisations to revamp the decaying play area in Hendon Park.

Barnet Council has already agreed to support the mothers in their bid for money and now Hendon MP Matthew Offord has also stepped in to back their appeal.

The Tory politician met with parents at the park last week and said: “They showed me the lack of equipment for various ages groups and disabled children at the park. This concerns me as I was involved with establishing play facilities when I was a councillor.

“I have written to Barnet Council highlighting my concerns about the state and provision of play equipment at Hendon Park and am seeking that the problems are addressed by the council.

“I will be following this letter up with the leader of the council later this week.”

Campaigners met with Barnet Council recently and have discussed their situation with the manager at Brent Cross shopping centre which is potentially looking to get involved.

Mrs Misul said: “We’re in the process of running a survey of what people want and writing down our objectives. Once we have presented this to the council, they can point us in the direction of charities and organisations that will be able to help.

“We’re aiming to get more than 50 respondents and we’re already sending it round on emails and giving it to friends to fill in.

“The chances of us getting some money appear to be good but it is a question of how much – we want as much as possible.

“It is so important that the park is accessible to people using it and those living in the area.

“We’re delighted Mr Offord has lent his support and we’ll wait to see what his involvement can bring.”