‘We don’t want a tragedy’: Families plead for fence at revamped Fareham play area

Families have pleaded with councillors to install a fence around a newly revamped playground amid fears a child could run into danger.

Members of the public raised concerns about the West Street play area in Fareham at a full council meeting on October 22.

They argued that its open design makes it difficult or even impossible for some children with additional needs to use safely.

Four public deputations called on Fareham Borough Council to reconsider its decision not to install a perimeter fence.

Claire Knight told councillors her six-year-old daughter is autistic, non-verbal and at risk of running off without warning.

She said: “While the intention was to create a more inclusive environment, removal of the fence has unfortunately had the opposite effect for many families. For those with children prone to running, with disabilities and additional needs, and a very limited understanding of danger, the unfenced play area can make the space effectively unusable.”

Lorraine Drinkwater, a teacher and grandmother of a child with special educational needs, said installing a fence was “common sense”.

She added: “It is not too late to change your mind and put in a fence. We don’t want a tragedy to happen in our town. Please keep our children safe.”

Anthony Whelan, who works supporting children and young people with special educational needs, said a “moment of impulsivity can quickly become a dangerous situation” for some children.

He said they “experience the world differently”, adding: “Children do not all have the same understanding of risk.

“My concern with the new park is the lack of a continuous boundary around the play area.”

However, Cllr Frair Burgess, the council’s executive member for leisure and community, said the absence of perimeter fencing had been “an integral part of the design from the very outset”.

She said the decision followed consultation aimed at creating “a more open, welcoming and inclusive space” and that the playground passed independent safety inspections and complied with relevant RoSPA requirements.

The playground has been at the centre of a safety row since September, when parents raised concerns over the lack of fencing. A petition calling for an enclosure attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Councillors Gemma Furnivall and Kirsten Wiltshire subsequently brought forward a motion about the play area.

It asked the council’s executive to assess options for an enclosure, including possible designs, costs and accessibility considerations.

The motion was referred to the Executive for consideration and was not discussed during full council on Thursday.