Residents in Swanscombe, Kent are seeing red over a so-called play area that’s anything but fun! Homeowners have collectively dished out £2,370 since 2022 for maintenance to an area they say consists of nothing more than a log, some smaller chunks of wood, a bench, and a few stones. Locals were promised a vibrant play space for their kids but have been left with, well…just a log. So, where’s all the cash going?
Frustration is bubbling up as families demand answers from their property management company, FirstPort. One homeowner, Adura Aknde, is questioning the value for money, claiming there’s little evidence of maintenance work being done despite hefty fees. “They say the money is to make it safe, but it isn’t,” she fumes, pointing out issues like overgrown grass and visits from curious foxes.
Similarly, Jess Clarke hopes for something better for her infant son’s future playtime, lamenting, “We were promised a playground, and it is just a log. All they do with our money is cut some grass.” She’s not alone in her frustration; many agree there’s nothing for kids to actually play on, especially since even kicking a ball around is off the cards, thanks to a nearby “no ball games” sign.
Residents argue the site is more dog toilet than playground, with doggy doo going unscooped and the kids left bored. One anonymous resident cited a safety concern, noting the lone log is covered in slippery fungi, making it unusable.
FirstPort states they’re staying on top of routine safety inspections and upkeep, and a property manager will soon visit to shed light on how the funds are allocated. But for now, many locals feel like they’re paying top dollar for a whole lot of nothing.
What do you think – a log worth £2,370 or a community ripped off? Let us know!