Video: Big Brother star Audley Harrison joins fight to save Stonebridge Adventure Playground
A crowd gathered outside Stonebridge Adventure Playground to show their support for the facility (pic credit: Jan Nevill) - Credit: Archant
A children’s play centre is fighting for survival following plans drawn up by Brent Council to demolish it.
Audley Harrison at the playground in 2010 - Credit: Archant
Stonebridge Adventure Playground, Shakespeare Avenue, will be reduced to rubble to accommodate the expansion of a primary school and the construction of new homes.
A smaller children’s play space will be created and the shape of the existing open space will be altered as a result of the changes.
The playground has been at the heart of the community since 1976 and fought off a previous closure when funding was found at the 11th hour.
Trustees of Brent Play Association (BPA) labelled the plans a disgrace and “an insult to the whole community” in a letter sent to all 63 Brent councillors.
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Moses, who chairs the charity, said: “I simply cannot fathom the loss of the adventure playground.
“This is something that has hugely benefited children living in one of the most deprived community in London.
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“We will challenge the move within the legal remit to safeguard the centre for generations to come.”
Boxer and Big Brother runner-up Audley Harrison, who used the centre as a youth, helped fight the playground’s last closure threat in 2010.
He famously donned a Keep Stonebridge Adventure Playground Open T-shirt minutes before his world heavyweight fight with David Haye and will be visiting the playground tomorrow at 10am to throw his weight behind the fight to save it.
Members of the community in Stonebridge gathered outside the playground last week to show their support.
They have also made a video calling for the council to bin their plans.
Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala, who represents Stonebridge ward, said he is concerned by the plans. “The council worked with developers in Kensal Green to keep the library open and in Willesden Green to save the nursery.
“I’m sure the council can work with developers to keep the adventure playground in one of the most deprived areas in the country.
“I will be working with all sides to help save the adventure playground.”
Cllr Ruth Moher, Brent Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The cabinet have agreed to carry out a public consultation on proposals that could see the creation of 210 new school places for local children at Stonebridge Primary, scores of much-needed new homes built and a new play area for children delivered on the surrounding land.”
The consultation will take place throughout October.
BPA have an online petition calling for the playgroung to be saved. To sign it visit brentplay.org.
Related link: Audley Harrison visits Stonebridge Adventure Playground in fight for survival
