Following complaints from parents of increased vandalism at the Tom Huyton Playpark in Radstock over Christmas and the gradual decay of the well used site over a longer period of time, as reported in The Journal on 7th January, the Town Council unanimously voted to allocate funds of up to £48,000 for a full refurbishment of the play area on Monday evening this week.
The park, once known as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of Radstock, has been assessed by Health and Safety Officers from B&NES, but only temporary measures have been taken so far to maintain standards until a decision is made pending the lease which is due to expire with B&NES Council on 31st March.
The Town Clerk said that the park was “safe but tired, if not slightly exhausted.”
In her report, she added that ‘members can be reassured that the play park is in a safe, operational condition’ and that moss and algae treatment, alongside power brushing, had been recently carried out to combat slippery surfaces.
During the autumn of last year, quotes were obtained for refurbishment of the play park, with the majority of contractors agreeing that with some attention, the equipment could be brought back to its former glory.
The Town Council unanimously agreed to set aside funds of up to £48,000, asking the Radstock Councillors on the Parks and Open Spaces Working Group to identify ways that the play park could be protected from further vandalism once the money had been spent. The aim is to get the work underway as soon as possible so that it is ready for the spring and summer seasons.
In terms of the lease agreement with B&NES Council, it was recommended to Town Councillors that a full asset transfer of the Tom Huyton play park and memorial gardens is persued, returning the Greenway, Five Arches and culvert back to B&NES when the lease expires.