Hailsham Town Council has issued updated information on the maintenance, safety and ongoing improvements at children’s play areas across the town, following a new round of inspections recently completed by the Council’s Maintenance Operative, Mark Simms, who now holds a RoSPA Operational Inspector qualification.
Town Council-managed play areas include:
All play equipment on Council-maintained sites meets required health and safety standards. Regular inspections are carried out by Mark Simms, whose Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents qualification enhances the Council’s ability to undertake detailed safety assessments in accordance with nationally recognised best practice.
These inspections ensure that equipment remains safe for public use and compliant with current regulations, while enabling the early identification of issues arising from vandalism or routine wear.
Each inspection is fully documented and covers access routes, pathways, signage, fencing, gates, benches, litter bins and play surfacing. Every piece of equipment is checked closely, including its supports, moving and static components, seating, safety features, accessibility and impact-absorbing surfaces.
Any problems identified during inspections are dealt with promptly by the Council’s in-house team or by approved contractors, with urgent repairs prioritised to maintain a high standard of safety for local families.
This focus on safety accompanies a series of major playground improvements undertaken in recent years. Following the full refurbishment of the Western Road play area in 2022, the Council has continued to upgrade other sites to modern standards, providing inclusive designs and engaging features for children of all ages.
Improvements at the Maurice Thornton Playing Field have included the installation of a 30-metre aerial zipwire, the replacement of a damaged inclusive roundabout and a complete wet-pour surfacing overlay.
At Battle Road, new features include a multi-play unit, teen swings, a mother-and-toddler swing and a cradle swing, together with a new inclusive roundabout replacing the former Whirly Bird. The site has also received renewed wet-pour surfacing, sensory panels, an inclusive picnic bench and four activity boards.
All improvements have been funded through the Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.
Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager, said: “The refurbishment of many of our play areas forms part of our continued commitment to enhance parks and open spaces. Play areas provide vital opportunities for recreation, giving children places to relax, meet friends and play.”
“The Council strives to ensure that its play areas offer stimulating play while meeting current safety requirements. We take pride in maintaining our facilities to a high standard and in carrying out regular inspections, repairs and replacements, in addition to upgrades such as those recently completed.”
Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, said: “Our upgraded play areas offer secure, engaging and inclusive spaces for children. With innovative equipment and accessible design features, these first-rate facilities support community cohesion, physical activity and social interaction among young residents.”
“It is essential that inclusive play spaces are available for children of all abilities and we hope the recent improvements will encourage greater physical activity and provide many hours of enjoyment.”
Cllr Laxton also offered congratulations to Mark Simms on achieving his RoSPA Operational Inspector qualification.
For further information about Town Council-maintained play areas or to report damage or vandalism, please call 01323 841702 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) or email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk