Further Improvements Planned for Quinnell Drive Play Area

Additional improvements to the children’s play area at Quinnell Drive, maintained by Hailsham Town Council, are scheduled to begin in the coming months.

The project will see the existing junior climbing frame removed and replaced with a new team swing. A refurbished springer, previously reconditioned during another Town Council playground upgrade, will also be installed. In addition, new green metal bow-top fencing will be fitted around the boundary of the play area.

As part of the works, the current bark safety surface will be removed and replaced with black wet-pour surfacing, providing a more durable and accessible play surface.

Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee said: “The Town Council is committed to ensuring that our play areas remain safe, well-maintained and enjoyable for local families. Regular inspections allow us to monitor the condition of equipment and identify any issues early, whether they arise from normal wear or vandalism. The improvements planned for Quinnell Drive will provide new play opportunities while also improving the safety surfacing across the site.”

Hailsham Town Council is responsible for maintaining several play areas across the town, including sites at Battle Road (BN27 1UA), Stroma Gardens (BN27 3AZ), Quinnell Drive (BN27 1QN), South Road (BN27 3DG) and Maurice Thornton Playing Field (BN27 2JZ).

All equipment located in these playgrounds complies with required health and safety standards. Routine inspections are undertaken by the Council’s own maintenance staff, including an operative qualified by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

These regular checks help ensure that equipment remains safe and meets current regulations, while also allowing any damage caused by vandalism or normal wear to be identified and addressed promptly.

The planned work at Quinnell Drive forms part of an ongoing programme of playground improvements carried out by the Town Council in recent years. Following the complete refurbishment of the Western Road play area in 2022, the Council has continued upgrading other facilities to modern standards, incorporating inclusive features and a range of play opportunities for children of different ages.

Recent improvements at Maurice Thornton Playing Field have included the installation of a 30-metre aerial zipwire, the replacement of a damaged inclusive roundabout and the addition of new wet-pour safety surfacing across the site.

At the Battle Road play area, upgrades have introduced a new multi-play unit, swings for older children, a dual swing set and a cradle swing for younger users. The former Whirly Bird roundabout has also been replaced with a new inclusive roundabout. Additional enhancements include new wet-pour surfacing, sensory play panels, an inclusive picnic bench and several activity boards.

Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “Maintaining and improving our play areas is an important part of the Council’s work to support families and young people in the town. By continuing to invest in our playgrounds, we can ensure they remain attractive, safe and inclusive spaces where children of all ages can enjoy outdoor play.”

Anyone seeking more information about Town Council play areas, or wishing to report damage or vandalism, can contact the Town Council on 01323 841702 (Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm) or enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.