Mother disappointed that playground will not be moved (From Times Series)

Mother disappointed that Edgwarebury Park playground will not be moved by Barnet Council

2:13pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Emma Innes

A mother of two is disappointed that the playground in Edgwarebury Park is not to be moved as part of Barnet Council’s improvement work.

Naomi Cowan, 35, of Wolmer Gardens, Edgware, believes that the current location of the playground makes it a target for vandals.

She also believes that potential visitors are put off going to the playground because getting there requires them to walk past large numbers of dogs.

Ms Cowan attended a consultation organised by the council before they started work to improve the playground last week.

She asked that the playground be moved nearer to the road and houses and was disappointed to discover that this would not be happening.

Ms Cowan, a marketing director with two sons, said: “This is absolutely not what we wanted.

“I spent 45 minutes explaining what was needed but the council have paid no attention.

“It is no wonder vandals burnt down the old playground. No one can see it from their houses to keep an eye on.

“In its current location no one can hear what is going on there so vandals have free rein.”

She added: “The park attracts a lot of dog walkers and to get to the playground you have to go past a lot of big dogs.

“I know people who have stopped going there because they are scared of being attacked.

“If you are scared of dogs it is really off putting. That is another reason we wanted the playground moved.”

Barnet Council is currently giving the playground in Edgwarebury Park a £60,000 makeover after it was vandalised.

The project, which is expected to take three weeks, involves the installation of an obstacle course, swings, a see-saw and climbing nets.

Ms Cowan said: “We were so excited that money was going to be spent on the park and anything they do will be useful but it is a shame that they didn’t take our views into consideration properly.”

In a statement the council said: “The plans were developed following consultation with residents, which incorporates as many of their requirements and desires as practically possible.

“As with any consultation it is not always possible to meet each and every person’s wishes.

“The relocation of the play area was not part of the project as it would not have been financially possible within the available funding.”