Hailsham Town Council Continues Investment in Safe and Enjoyable Play Areas

Hailsham Town Council is continuing its programme of inspection, maintenance and investment across the town’s play areas, helping to ensure children have access to safe, welcoming and enjoyable places to play.

The Council maintains play facilities at Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive, South Road and Maurice Thornton Playing Field, with regular checks carried out throughout the year by the Council’s Outdoor Works Team.

Inspections cover all aspects of each play area, including play equipment, safety surfacing, fencing, gates, footpaths, access points, benches, litter bins and signage. Equipment is checked for signs of damage, deterioration, wear and tear and vandalism, as well as the condition of moving parts and other safety features.

Inspection records are maintained by the Council, allowing any defects or concerns to be identified and addressed as quickly as possible. Where repairs are required, these are undertaken by the Outdoor Works Team or, where specialist expertise is needed, by appropriately qualified contractors.

Alongside its routine maintenance programme, the Council continues to invest in improving and modernising its play facilities across Hailsham.

One of the most recent projects has been completed at Quinnell Drive, where the installation of new play equipment, upgraded fencing and wet-pour safety surfacing has significantly improved the neighbourhood facility.

Further improvements have been delivered at a number of other locations, including the comprehensive refurbishment of the play area at Western Road Recreation Ground. Maurice Thornton Playing Field has also benefited from new inclusive play equipment and a 30-metre aerial zipwire.

At Battle Road, extensive improvements have included new multi-play equipment, swings, sensory play features, accessible picnic facilities and modern safety surfacing, creating a more varied and inclusive environment for children and families.

Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, Cllr Dave Chapman, said: “Our play areas are important community facilities and we want children and families to be able to use them safely and enjoyably. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential, but so too is continuing to invest in the facilities themselves.”

“The improvements made across our play areas demonstrate the Council’s commitment to providing spaces that are safe, accessible and suitable for children of different ages and abilities.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee added: “Our Outdoor Works Team carries out regular inspections across all of the Council’s play areas, helping us to identify problems at an early stage. Whether it is general wear and tear, damage or vandalism, being able to respond promptly is an important part of keeping these facilities safe. “

“We also continue to work on improvements and upgrades so that our play areas remain in good condition and provide enjoyable spaces for local families.”

Residents are asked to help the Council maintain its play areas by reporting any damage, defects or vandalism as soon as they are noticed. Reports can be made through the Council’s online reporting form, by telephone on 01323 841702 (Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm), or by emailing enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

Through ongoing inspections, responsive maintenance and continued investment, Hailsham Town Council is working to ensure its play areas remain safe, accessible and enjoyable facilities for children and families throughout the town.