Tower Hamlets: Children stop play space from being dismantled

Children in east London rushed out of their homes to stop a “safer streets” blockade being ripped out by the council.

Parents gathering outside Chisenhale Primary School in Bow say they were given little notice of the “pop-up playground” being removed.

The standoff resulted in a temporary victory for the families who want the zone to stay in place.

Residents have now been offered a meeting to discuss alternatives.

The play space is part of the safer streets scheme which allows only parents of schoolchildren, immediate residents and blue badge holders to drive in the area at school drop-off times.

Parents were first told of plans to remove the area on 21 October, just before half term. Last week, contractors arrived on Thursday morning to find children climbing on top of the barricades in protest and the space was left intact.

The contractors returned to finish the job on Wednesday night, with children running out in their pyjamas and raincoats to fend them off.

To the cheer of protesters, one child lay down on a skateboard before the workers gave up trying to dismantle the planters, said parent and campaigner Sarah Gibbons.

“It happened so fast – we were shocked to see them come out to take it away in the cover of darkness, everyone rushed out to try and stop them,” she said.

“It was led by the kids; they are very aware not only of safety issue but also how bad the pollution is in this area.”

As well as being a play space, the area, which is painted with bright colours, is used for community events.

Year three pupil at Chisenhale, Charlotte, said: “We enjoy playing there before during and after school.”

The traffic order was put in place in April 2021 but newly elected mayor Lutfur Rahman has allowed it to lapse. He has previously said he wants to remove all barriers and timed closures in Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets Council has been approached for comment.

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