Tory council u-turn on pay to play?

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Last month we brought you the story of Wandsworth council, who were planning to charge children to play in a local play area. The campaign later reached the national press (and at least one newspaper front page).

Well we’re pleased to tell you today that it looks like Wandsworth council are about to u-turn on plans to introduce a fee for local children to play. In a statement released by the council, children’s services spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said:

“We have listened very carefully to all the suggestions and points of view that have been made on this issue and feel it would be right and proper to explore these more fully before looking at this matter again.”

It’s heartening that even a hard-right Tory council like Wandsworth can be made to see the error of their ways when a community comes together to fight such damaging plans. Congratulations to everyone in Wandsworth Labour Party who has been involved with the campaign, and everyone else who has opposed the plans.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the council to ensure that their listening exercise is better than the one conducted by Andrew Lansley…