Tower Hamlets: Children stop play space from being dismantled

Children in east London rushed out of their homes to stop a "safer streets" blockade being ripped out by the council.

Parents gathering outside Chisenhale Primary School in Bow say they were given little notice of the "pop-up playground" being removed.

The standoff resulted in a temporary victory for the families who want the zone to stay in place.

Residents have now been offered a meeting to discuss alternatives.

The play space was brought in as response to Covid restrictions along with a scheme aiming to make streets safer. At school drop-off times, it restricts driving through the area to residents and blue badge holders.

Parents were first told of plans to remove the area on 21 October, just before half term. Last week, Tower Hamlets Council contractors arrived on Thursday morning to find children climbing on top of the barricades in protest and the space was left intact.

The contractors returned to finish the job on Wednesday night, with children running out in their pyjamas and raincoats to fend them off.

To the cheer of protesters, one child lay down on a skateboard before the workers gave up trying to dismantle the planters - a key feature of the safety zone - said parent and campaigner Sarah Gibbons.

"It happened so fast - we were shocked to see them come out to take it away in the cover of darkness. Everyone rushed out to try and stop them," she said.

"It was led by the kids; they are very aware not only of safety issues but also how bad the pollution is in this area."

As well as being a play space, the brightly coloured oasis is used for community events.

Year three pupil at Chisenhale, Charlotte, said: "We enjoy playing there before, during and after school."

The traffic order was put in place in April 2021 but recently elected mayor Lutfur Rahman has allowed it to lapse. Other residents are against reinstating the order as it takes up valuable space for the disabled to pass.

Mr Rahman has previously said he wants to remove all barriers and timed closures in Tower Hamlets. The council has been approached for comment.

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