Defiant youngsters issued the leader of Brent Council with a petition boasting more than 1000 signatures in opposition to the proposed demolition of their beloved playground in Stonebridge.
Scores of children took time out of their half term break to join a group of past users and volunteers, to show their support for the under threat playground, in Shakespeare Avenue, outside Brent Civic Centre on Monday.
Lobbyists reached their 1000th signature a mere two weeks since the launch of the petition.
The beloved SAP, which was named the Best Community Organisation, at a community awards ceremony dubbed ‘Love where YUH live’ on Sunday, is managed by husband and wife team Douglas and Glynis Lee.
Mr Lee said: “This shows the huge and unprecedented support. If anyone in the current administration does not support this democratic demand from these children, they might as well resign and let someone else provide them with the justice they deserve.
Under current plans, the centre, run by Brent Play Association, will be reduced to rubble to accommodate the expansion of neighbouring primary school, the construction of new homes, a smaller unsupervised children’s play area and an altered open space.
It has served the Stonebridge community for just under 40 years –catering to more than 30,000 youngster since nits conception in 1976.
Stonebridge resident Senait Kiflai, who has taken her four children aged 15, 14 nine and six, to the playground for the past seven years, told the Times it would be extremely “disappointing” if the play area were to close.
She continued: “It is good for my children; the love it. It gives them something to do after school and especially during the half terms, and allows me to drop them of their on days where I am too busy.”
Speaking outside the council offices, in Engineers Way, Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council said: “Credit to the campaigners. They raised the signatures in such a short space of time.
Adding that he intending on remain neutral in the matter, Tokyngton councillor added: “I appreciate the value the adventure playground brings to them but I have competing pressures and demands so I have to think about the whole borough as well.
“All they views and concerns will be taken into consideration.”
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