Anger as council vows to sell off children’s play area

Families hoping to save a playground they say has become a “small oasis” for their children have been dealt a blow after Camden Council would not reconsider its decision to sell it off.

Residents of Bridge House in Adelaide Road, Chalk Farm, urged the council to rethink plans to sell a small adjacent plot of land, saying it offers “safety and fresh air”.

Jennifer Tarni, a resident of Bridge House, said: “Our playground is a small oasis of mature trees and wild borders that is a safe place for children and all generations to enjoy. Its loss would mean children will have no choice but to play ball games in the car parking area and risk their safety.

“You are taking away a space where the community meets [and] increasing density in an area already densely populated.”

But the council revealed it was already in talks with developers to build housing on the site.

Cllr Julian Fulbrook, cabinet member for housing, said the land was not a playground but a “drying area”.

He said: “This is not an easy decision. When you have 27,000 households on the housing waiting list, the council has to make a judgement call.

“Socialism is the language of priorities.”