Improvements to Oxford's play areas "massively overdue" say Lib Dems

7.11.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Aug 2008

Chair of North Area Committee Cllr Alan Armitage by the recently re-equipped Aristotle Lane play area

The Labour administration on Oxford City Council has announced significant new budget for improving and maintaining Oxford's play areas, but the Lib Dems are asking who will lose out.

Said David Rundle, Lib Dem leader on the City Council: It's all too true that refurbishing Oxford's play areas is massively overdue. Under previous Labour administrations, they were left to rot. It was the Lib Dems in 2006 who highlighted the problem and started a programme of refurbishment.

He added: "What Labour has announced may sound good, but it would be wise to ask a few questions. It is claimed that more money will be spent but who will pay for it? Even on the most optimistic forecasts, there's going to be at least £500,000 to be found. We know that Mr Brown has put the thumbscrews on local council and there's no money to spare, so what's going to be cut to make up the shortfall?

Lib Dems want to know how the communities are going to be involved in the decisions. Labour say they will consult - but, as the Conservatives have shown repeatedly at County Hall, consulting is not the same as listening. Much better than consulting is actually making the decision in the local communities which are affected.