Charred play equipment left at Brighton’s Queen’s Park sparks concern

Last week, a fire occurred in the Queen’s Park play area, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.

The burned play equipment has sparked health and safety worries among local parents who take their children to this park.

While the area has been fenced off, the remains have yet to be properly cleaned away, leaving potential hazards.

A local parent says she has asked for the equipment to be removed several times. (Image: The Argus)A local mother of four, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Argus: “I no longer feel safe taking my children to Queen’s Park.

“Parents like myself are worried that the area is a hazard.

READ MORE: Queen’s Park playground in Brighton destroyed by ‘arson’.

“Hundreds of children visit the park daily and it is really concerning that this issue still is unresolved.”

Another parent said: “The kids are really sad that some of their favourite play equipment has been burned down, especially as it’s been left for them to see every time we go to the park.

“We could still smell the burnt plastic and many parents just want it cleared up properly.”

The play area at Queen’s Park was part of a £3 million revamp of Brighton and Hove playgrounds in 2023 which aimed to make “all play areas safe, exciting and enjoyable places to visit and play”.

Parents are calling for urgent action to ensure the area is safe again, having contacted City Clean and several councillors.

According to one parent, there has been communication from the council but no physical action has yet to be be taken.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports and recreation, said: “We were shocked and appalled at the recent damage to play equipment in Queens Park.

“We really do understand the inconvenience this vandalism has caused to our local communities and children and carers in our city.

 “The equipment has not yet been removed as we had to wait for our insurance company to assess the damage and our claim. For now, it has been fenced off and should not be accessible by children. 

“As soon as we are able to, we will, of course, remove everything which was damaged by the fire. In the meantime, I would like to gently remind people they should not go beyond the fencing and to thank people for their continued patience.”