At a Glance
- Concerns are mounting among Shoeburyness residents as long-neglected and damaged play equipment at Shoebury Park continues to deteriorate.
- Multiple residents have reported broken surfaces, dirty and damaged structures, and rubbish accumulating inside equipment.
- Several pieces of play equipment have been out of use for more than four years.
- The accessible nest swing has never been replaced despite repeated requests.
- Both candidates are calling for urgent action from Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Concerns are mounting among Shoeburyness residents as long-neglected and damaged play equipment at Shoebury Park continues to deteriorate, leaving families without safe or accessible facilities. Multiple residents have reported broken surfaces, dirty and damaged structures, and rubbish accumulating inside equipment. Several pieces of play equipment have been out of use for more than four years.
Particularly troubling is the ongoing absence of the accessible nest swing, which has never been replaced despite repeated requests. One local parent, whose child has non-verbal autism and global developmental delay, explained that the accessible swing is the only piece of equipment their child can safely use at their local park. After years of waiting, they say they feel “forgotten”.
Tricia Cowdrey, Green Party candidate for Shoeburyness Ward, has been pressing for answers.
“I have contacted ward councillors and have been told that there is no money to repair or replace equipment and that funding will need to be found,” she said. “Residents are also raising concerns about the permanently locked toilet block and the general dilapidated state of the park. With construction due to begin soon on the accessible playground at East Beach and the new playground at Friars Park now open, it is vital that proper oversight and regular maintenance are guaranteed to keep children safe.”
The issue extends beyond Shoeburyness. Kay Mitchell, Green Party candidate for Chalkwell Ward, has echoed similar concerns about Chalkwell Park’s deteriorating play facilities.
“The health, well-being, and development of children and young people across the whole of Southend is enhanced by good-quality play facilities local to where they live,” she added. “The council has a responsibility to ensure that parks across the city are safe, accessible, and properly maintained.” Kay recalled writing to the portfolio holder last December about this matter. To date, there has been no response.
Both candidates are calling for urgent action from Southend-on-Sea City Council to address long-standing maintenance failures at parks across the city, prioritise accessibility, and ensure that all children—regardless of ability—have access to safe, stimulating, and inclusive play spaces.