Eynsham Parish Council is aware of the frustration many residents feel about the ongoing closure of Dovehouse Close play area. We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing, particularly to families and children who enjoy using the area. Please be reassured that reopening the play area remains a priority for us.
Residents have been asking why 'nothing is happening' at the play area. We'd like to remind the community that the issues at Dovehouse Close play area were unanticipated, with repair and replacement costs exceeding the Budget allowance of maintenance of the play areas. We are in the process of forming a Dovehouse Close Play Area Working Group (thank you to all who have shown an interest) to help explore options for fundraising the money required for new equipment.
In order to make the play area safe for use until the new equipment can be funded, our staff team have been carrying out the simple repairs and groundwork that we are able to. By completing the work ourselves, we avoid the expense of contractors. This is inevitably a slower process as we have one maintenance operative, who is assisted by the Deputy Clerk and Clerk (both of whom have other demands on their time). Unfortunately - as we have communicated in previous updates - a combination of inclement weather, staff holidays, sickness, existing workloads, and equipment availability have caused delays beyond our control.
We'd also gently remind our community that Eynsham Parish Council officer team is small but has a large amount of responsibility. We manage and maintain over 800 trees, two other play areas, multiple public open spaces and three buildings. This is alongside all other Council projects and daily administration, not to mention the multitude of unexpected tasks and demands on our time. We work within legal restrictions and requirements, with a very tight Budget. We are also human beings who are doing our best.
If you feel the balance of our priorities at the Parish Council isn't right, we genuinely welcome your involvement. We currently have Councillor vacancies and are also seeking residents to join our Dovehouse Close Play Area Working Group. For more information on both, please contact us via
[email protected].