THE MAYOR of Ventnor wants absolute assurance that a playground virtually emptied of equipment by the Isle of Wight Council, won't be set aside for redevelopment.

Cllr Stewart Blackmore has spoken out after a playground was stripped of equipment — and no one was notified about what was happening.

As reported in the County Press last week, North Street Playground in the residential Longdown area of Ventnor, has had the majority of the equipment removed by the Isle of Wight Council.

The council confirmed there was no intention to replace the major pieces such as swings and climbing frame.

Town mayor Stewart Blackmore said: "The residents of Ventnor and, in particular, those in Longdown with children, are rightly appalled at the IW Council’s seemingly unilateral decision to close parts of the long-established North Street playground without any attempt at public consultation; failing, even, to do the local residents the courtesy of informing their local ward councillors or members of Ventnor Town Council.

"As a local councillor for Ventnor East, I, especially as Mayor, would have expected to be told in advance about this decision.

"The fact that the IW Council has deemed the equipment defective and/or dangerous is not sufficient reason to not inform my residents that this action was imminent.

"I, therefore, call on the IW Council to reinstate the equipment to the benefit of our children and, further, to give us an absolute assurance that this land will net be set aside for redevelopment, as was the case several years ago."

A public meeting is being held at Ventnor Library tomorrow, Thursday, April 25, at 7pm.

UPDATE 2pm: The IW Council has responded, to reassure residents there are no plans to change the use of the site.

The statement said: "The IW Council intends for North Street Playground to remain as a public play area, and has no plans to change the use of the site. The council is committed to engaging with Ventnor Town Council on the future management of the site. 

Leader of the IW Council, Cllr Dave Stewart said: “The play area at North Street is a valuable facility and we know how important it is for local children. The IW Council plans to attend the upcoming public meeting in Ventnor to discuss the future of the site, and I can confirm we’re keen to work with Ventnor Town Council and other interested parties to find a way forward that ensures a sustainable future for the play area.”

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