Councillor wants play workers to remain

A COUNCILLOR has spoken out over controversial plans to move a member of staff at an adventure playground.

Portsmouth City Council is set to move deputy manager Michelle Appleton from Portsea Adventure Playground, where she was worked for around 12 years.

Families protested against the decision on Wednesday, leading to the council shutting the site temporarily.

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Councillor Stephen Morgan, member for Charles Dickens ward, previously wrote to the council over the decision.

He said: ‘As a former play worker in the city myself, consistency in staffing is really important so that children and young people can build a rapport with the staff team.

‘With such fantastic and active local people involved in the delivery of this service in the heart of Portsea, I think the council needs to do more to engage these volunteers in any changes to the service much earlier in the process in future.’

The council said moving staff around the six adventure playgrounds means children get used to other play workers.