A community radio station in Harlesden has thrown its weight behind the crusade to save Stonebridge Adventure Playground by giving campaigners airtime yesterday evening.
Keith Gussy from Roots FM is the latest name to add to calls to save the much needed centre in Shakespeare Avenue, from demolition.
Campaigners have been battling council plans to reduce the 38-year-old centre to rubble and replace it with the expansion of Stonebridge Primary School and the construction of new homes.
Mr Gussy, who is known as DJ Gussy, said: “My own two boys went to that place.
“They have friends from that particular place, people they still know now, that is a very powerful thing.
“A place like that, it’s a piece of history. The playground has served three generations of people and that’s a fantastic thing.”
Glynis and Doug Lee, who have been running the centre since it was created, were joined by youngsters Kelsey McDermont, Tyreke Robinson and Mica Whitely, in the studio.
Dj Gussy said: “When Kelsey spoke yesterday she said she can meet new people and do outdoor activites when not many children do that now, everyone’s in their house playing xbox games and noone wants to do any recreational stuff.
“They (the council) just want the land, but even if they do use it to build flats and schools, there’s still going to be a need for somewhere like SAP.”
Mrs Lee, who was honoured by the Queen with her husband for their services to young people, said: “It went really really well. I hadn’t realised DJ Gussy’s children came here. He did a really good job, he promoted us really well. The kids were a little bit intimidated being in a studio, it was a little bit daunting but they all spoke. Everyone said their piece.”
Last week campaigners were told that their 1,000-signature petition against the closure plan will be considered at a future cabinet meeting as part of its public consulation.
“It’s beginning to shift in the right direction but obviously we don’t want to count any chickens at this stage. They could easily promise something then renege on it,” Mrs Lee ended.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here