Forum Topic

Lammas Park Play Centre

Reading between the lines of the front page story 'Lammas Park Play Centre to Re-open', it sounds to me as though what was previously a council-run free service accessible to all parents with small children is now to become a place which will run paid-for sessions only.One of the joys of the previous way the play centre was run was that you could drop in for a long or short time, meet friends there, make new friends, have a cup of tea while your toddlers played in safety, etc.  It was a lifeline for many parents who lived in flats without access to a garden for outdoor play and, because older children were not catered for, provided a safe area to relax and enjoy watching your children playing freely without the threat of bigger kids pushing them around.I presume that this will no longer be the case.  Another example of making every service for the young a business opportunity.  

Thelma Leach ● 3912d3 Comments

I understand what you say, but one of the joys of the previous set-up was that it was 'free-form'.  Those who are used to looking after small children know how short their attention span can be and you could dip and out accordingly.The argument re council cuts could apply to almost any service.  Where do we draw the line?  Also, don't forget that those who cannot afford to 'fork out a few quid' are those most likely to need this service.

Thelma Leach ● 3912d

A shame indeed but with ever deeper cuts being imposed what can the council do? If I have to fork out a few quid for our daughter to use the service I don't mind, better than it disappearing completely.

Jim McCauley ● 3912d

Its a shame that this excellent safe play area for toddlers ceased to function.  The report on the front page says it will also have "drop-in" facilities on certain days and times - does this mean it will still have "free" drop-in facilities?  It doesn't make it clear in the write-up.

Gerry Tan ● 3912d