With the Leicester City Council's budget meeting scheduled for Wednesday (19 February 2025), the Leicester Conservatives are calling for immediate and decisive action to secure the future of the city's nine adventure playgrounds. These vital community hubs, which have served Leicester's children for over five decades, are facing imminent closure due to Labour’s proposed cuts.
The council's decision to end the £1 million annual budget for these playgrounds has raised significant concerns among residents and stakeholders. Without this funding, these playgrounds, located in some of the city's most deprived areas, will be unable to continue providing safe spaces for children to play, learn, and grow. This situation threatens to leave hundreds of children without access to essential recreational activities and support services.
In the broader context of Leicester Labour’s 2025/26 budget, the City Mayor has proposed an austerity programme of £20 million in cuts to frontline services as well as cuts to capital investment projects, and additional borrowing, all whilst raising Council tax by the maximum allowable amount without a public referendum. While these measures aim to address the council's self-inflicted financial challenges, they will leave the people of Leicester poorer, with reduced access to essential services and increased financial burdens.
Leicester Conservatives emphasise that adventure playgrounds are integral to the well-being of many children, offering a safe environment, educational opportunities, and a sense of community. The closure of these facilities would disproportionately impact vulnerable children, leading to increased social isolation.
As the budget meeting approaches, Leicester Conservatives demand Labour Councillors recognise the critical importance of these adventure playgrounds and take immediate steps to ensure their continued operation.
Cllr Hemant Rae Bhatia, Leader of the Leicester Conservative Group, said:
“The proposed funding cuts to our adventure playgrounds are a direct threat to the well-being of our children and the fabric of our communities.
These playgrounds provide safe spaces for children to play, learn, and grow, and their closure would be a devastating blow to families across Leicester.
We call on the council to urgently reconsider these cuts and work with us to find sustainable solutions that will secure the future of these vital community assets.”
Cllr Charleigh Barnes, Conservative councillor for Abbey ward, where the Mowmacre playground is located, added:
“As the representative for the area where Mowmacre playground is situated, I have seen firsthand the positive impact these facilities have on our young people.
The closure of these playgrounds would leave a significant void in our community, depriving children of safe spaces to play and learn. We must act now to ensure that these playgrounds remain open and accessible to all.”
