Hailsham Town Council Highlights Playground Safety and Ongoing Investment

Hailsham Town Council is highlighting the extensive work it undertakes to ensure its children’s play areas remain safe, well maintained and enjoyable for local families, as part of its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality recreational facilities across the town.

The Council is responsible for maintaining play areas at Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive, South Road and Maurice Thornton Playing Field, with each site undergoing regular inspections and maintenance to ensure equipment remains safe and in excellent condition.

Routine inspections are carried out by the Council’s in-house Outdoor Works Team, with every visit carefully recorded. Checks cover not only play equipment but also access routes, footpaths, fencing, gates, benches, litter bins, signage and safety surfacing.

Each piece of equipment is thoroughly inspected for structural integrity, moving parts, safety features and signs of wear, damage or vandalism. Any issues identified are prioritised for repair, with remedial work undertaken either by Council staff or specialist contractors to ensure playgrounds remain safe for public use.

The Council’s proactive inspection programme complements a continuing programme of investment in its play facilities, with several sites benefiting from significant improvements in recent years.

The latest upgrades have recently been completed at Quinnell Drive, where new play equipment, improved fencing and durable wet-pour safety surfacing have transformed the popular neighbourhood play area.

Other recent investment includes the comprehensive refurbishment of the Western Road Recreation Ground play area, improvements at Maurice Thornton Playing Field, including a 30-metre aerial zipwire and new inclusive play equipment, and extensive upgrades at Battle Road, where new multi-play equipment, swings, sensory features, accessible picnic facilities and modern safety surfacing have been installed.

Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, Councillor Dave Chapman, said: “Providing safe, high-quality play areas is one of the Council’s key priorities. Children and families should be able to enjoy our playgrounds with confidence, knowing that the equipment is inspected regularly, maintained to a high standard and continually improved as part of our long-term investment programme. We are committed to ensuring our play spaces remain attractive, inclusive and accessible for everyone.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee added: “Our maintenance teams work hard throughout the year to keep every Town Council playground safe and welcoming. Regular inspections allow us to identify potential issues quickly, whether caused by normal wear and tear or vandalism, enabling us to carry out repairs before they become more serious. Combined with our ongoing programme of improvements, this helps ensure local families can continue to enjoy modern, well-maintained play facilities for many years to come.”

Residents are encouraged to report any damage, defects or acts of vandalism at Town Council-maintained play areas as soon as possible. Reports can be made via the Council’s online reporting form or by calling 01323 841702 (Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm). Alternatively, email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

By combining regular inspections, prompt maintenance and continued investment, Hailsham Town Council remains committed to providing safe, enjoyable and inclusive outdoor play spaces that support the health and wellbeing of children and families across the town.