Celebrities urged to back playgrounds (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Campaigners call on Bob Geldof and JLS to support adventure playgrounds

7:30am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

Campaigners are calling on Bob Geldof and boyband JLS to support their fight to save Wandsworth's playleaders.

A rally was staged by Wandsworth Against Cuts at Battersea Park on May 5 to call on the council to keep play staff and not radically alter the adventure playgrounds.

They were joined by members of garage band So Solid Crew, with a petition now gaining 850 signatures.

WAC are now hoping more celebrities who have benefited from the playground will support the campaign, with JLS members and Mr Geldof's children using the playground when they were growing up.

Earlier this year the cash-strapped council announced it will be altering the playgrounds so it will no longer need to employ staff to man them, saving £147,000.

Battersea Adventure Playground and York Gardens Adventure Playground are set to be redeveloped, while Kimber Road Adventure Playground will be turned into a skate park.

Parents and grandparents queued to sign the Keep Wandsworth's Adventure Playgrounds fully staffed petition during the rally.

A spokesperson for WAC said: "Given that 60 per cent of all households in the borough occupy flats, Wandsworth Against Cuts believes that there is a desperate need for this type of healthy, outdoor activity.

"Clearly, by proposing that they remove the staff and replacing the structures, the council believes that young people will be safe but not challenged. Certainly, the adventure will be missing."

WAC are planning to hold meeting for families of the borough's three adventure playgrounds in the coming weeks.

Visit wandsworthagainstcuts.co.uk to sign the petition.