A high court judgment allowing Watford Borough Council to demolish two popular adventure playgrounds has been hailed as “positive news”.
A group opposing the impending demolition – Save Watford’s Adventure Playgrounds (SWAP) – took the case to the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday in a last ditch attempt to save their beloved facilities at Harebreaks and Harwoods adventure playgrounds.
However the council’s decision was upheld, meaning work to dismantle the two playgrounds will begin as planned on Monday.
READ MORE: Court of Appeal bid to stop demolition of popular adventure playgrounds
Watford Borough Council spokesman David O’Neill said: “This positive news will mean we can now push ahead with our plan to transform Watford’s adventurous playgrounds for all five to 15-year-olds.
“Our £1.4m investment in state-of-the-art equipment for Watford’s adventurous playgrounds will mean that they can provide fun play opportunities for a broader age range for many years to come.”
Councillor Karen Collett, responsible for community, said: “Ensuring that the needs of children and young people with disabilities are met through the services the council provides is extremely important and a personal priority.
“I am delighted that the investment in our play areas has shown what can be done through good design and the right equipment. I am looking forward to seeing the new playgrounds ready for all our young people to enjoy next spring.”
Despite the decision, the SWAP group is determined to create more disability-inclusive parks in the area, and is currently in the process of setting up a charity to explore possible locations.
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