Greenwich adventure play centres may face closure

Greenwich Council runs five adventure play centres, including Coldharbour

Five adventure play centres in south-east London could be put at risk of closure as part of budget cuts.

Greenwich Council's financial strategy agreed in February included a review of the playgrounds to try to save £2.2m in the next four years.

At a council meeting this month, Labour councillor Sandra Bauer, cabinet minister for equality, culture and communities, did not rule out closures, and confirmed a public consultation would be launched in the "coming weeks".

A Greenwich Council spokesperson said they were "investing £820,000 to improve and modernise our adventure play centres" along with the potential for longer opening hours at some sites.

The borough has five such play parks, featuring equipment like rope swings and zip wires, and indoor activities like crafts and table tennis.

They are located at Meridian, Woolwich, Plumstead, Glyndon and Coldharbour, with the latter three discussed at the meeting on 23 July.

More than 1,400 residents have signed a petition to save the Coldharbour centre, with a further 104 petitioning to keep Plumstead open.

The council said the play parks were being reviewed in order to save £2.2m over the next four years

Speaking at the meeting, Bauer did not confirm whether the sites would be closed, and apologised that the public consultation had not yet begun.

She said: "We are absolutely committed to doing this right and we need more information.

"I'm sorry that it's taking so long but we have to do it right, and that's what we are going to do."

Bauer also denied she had told staff at the Glyndon centre that it would remain open.

Michael Suckoo, who launched the petition calling on the council to keep the Plumstead play centre open, requested figures on the cost of running the centres, which Bauer confirmed would be provided as part of the consultation.

'A safe haven for children'

The man behind the Coldharbour petition, Martin Sheehan, said on its website: "Growing up, my local adventure play centre and youth club in Coldharbour was more than just a hub for the community, it was a home. It was a safe haven for children like myself.

"It wasn't just about play, but about fulfilling the basic needs of many children in our community."

Conservative councillor Roger Tester, who spoke on behalf of Mr Sheehan at the meeting, said the continued uncertainty was causing "anxiety among children, parents and staff alike".

A council spokesperson said: "It's important to us that families, young people and staff have a chance to have their say on the future of our adventure play centres and we will be launching a public consultation in the coming weeks."

The council described the review as part of a broader package of support for children and young people, including £1m spent on playground upgrades, improved sports facilities, and restructured children's centres.