Playground Closures, Vandalism, Injuries, and Inspections
Dear North Devon Council,
I am requesting the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please provide the data for the period from April 1st, 2023 to March 31st, 2024:
1. Playground Closures:
The number of playgrounds permanently closed.
2. New Playgrounds:
The number of new playgrounds opened.
3. Reports of Vandalism:
The total number of vandalism reports in playgrounds.
If available, provide details of the types of vandalism reported (e.g., graffiti, damage to equipment).
4. Number of Injuries in Play Parks:
The total number of injuries reported in playgrounds, broken down by type of injury.
If available, a breakdown of injuries by specific equipment (e.g., swings, slides, climbing frames).
5. Inspection Frequency:
The frequency with which playgrounds are inspected by the council.
If any of this information is publicly available, I would appreciate it if you could direct me to the relevant resources. Please let me know if this request exceeds the cost limit for FOI requests, and I can refine the scope.
Thanks,
Jamie Dixon
Dear Jamie Dixon
Thank you for your request received earlier this afternoon, for which I acknowledge receipt.
This is now being dealt with in accordance with the Act and will be processed and responded to no later than 20 December, in accordance with the statutory time limit of 20 working days.
Should the processing of your request require a fee, or if we should require further any information/clarification from you, I will write to you.
Yours sincerely
Vicky Eagle
Freedom of Information Officer and Paralegal
Legal Services
North Devon Council
[North Devon Council request email]
Document: {10263 FOI}/{00283723}
Dear Jamie Dixon,
I write in response to your request received 22 November.
Section 1(1)(a) of the Act requires the Council to inform you whether it holds information of the description specified in your request. The Council confirms that it does hold this information. In discharge of its obligation under section 1(1)(b) the Council provides the following response:
1. Playground Closures:
0
2. New Playgrounds:
1
3. Reports of Vandalism:
No records of vandalism reported by the public.
4. Number of Injuries in Play Parks:
No injuries reported.
5. Inspection Frequency:
Routine inspections 1, 2 or 3 times per week depending on use. All sites receive 3 x operational inspections per year and all sites receive an independent annual inspection each year.
If you are dissatisfied with the Council’s handling of your request, you have the right to request an internal review which should be received within two months from the date of the response letter and should be addressed and sent to;
Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer
Legal Services, North Devon Council
PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR
[North Devon Council request email]
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545 745
Fax: 01625 524 510
Email: [email address]
Yours sincerely
Helen Britton for
Vicky Eagle
Freedom of Information Officer and Paralegal
Legal Services
North Devon Council
We work to defend the right to FOI for everyone
Help us protect your right to hold public authorities to account. Donate and support our work.
Donate Now