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Councillor says play area has been left to “rack and ruin”
08/08/2022
Hart Close in Hanwell Fields is still under the control of the developer
Last week was Love Parks Week but one local green space has been highlighted by a local elected member for distinctly lacking in being shown any love.
Labour Councillor Andrew Crichton was elected in May as one of three people to represent the Banbury Hardwick ward at Cherwell District Council. He isn’t happy that the play area on Hart Close in Hanwell Fields has become overgrown, with thorny brambles across the entrance gate and play equipment missing.
Hart Close was built around 2003 with the play area part of the agreed plans submitted by developers. Normally when parks and open spaces are signed-off by Cherwell District Council (as the planning authority) they pass to the control of the local council, in this case Banbury Town Council.
But when Cherwell refuses to accept the agreed standards have been reached the area remains under the ownership of the developer, who is responsible for their upkeep.
It was Persimmon Homes who were granted planning permission to build Hart Close in 2002.
Some six years later, in 2008, Cherwell District Council wrote to Persimmon in relation to the play area. They said: “As you are aware, the RoSPA [The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents] Post Installation Inspection is still outstanding for the aforementioned site. Please note that until this area transfers, the liability and responsibility for the area remains with Persimmon Homes therefore it is in the interests of Persimmon Homes to arrange for the transfer of this area to be carried out as soon as possible.”
The letter concluded saying: “Please be aware that if the report is not received shortly, I will have no alternative but to seek the advice of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services with a view to taking further action.”
Having inspected the play area Councillor Crichton noted a piece of play equipment was missing, there was no sign above its front gates and the area was overgrown with weeds and grass. A branch of a thorny plant was growing across the gate.
Councillor Crichton said: “I was horrified to discover how run down this local recreation ground has become in the past two decades since it was built. Whereas other recreation grounds in this area seem reasonably well maintained, this one has been left to rack and ruin.
“After initially reporting the rec and the damage to the town council, I have been advised that this recreation ground is actually owned by Persimmon Homes. It was not adopted with all the other recreation grounds on the estate.
“I have now reported this damage to Persimmon Homes and hope for a speedy response to bring this recreation ground up to a standard that is safe for local families.”
Banbury FM has offered Persimmon Homes the chance to comment on the situation.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam