A DALE parish council will carry out fortnightly checks on new equipment at a children’s play park to minimise the cost of inspections.
Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council members agreed to carry out fortnightly “tick-box” inspections themselves once new equipment is installed at the Wesley Terrace play area rather than employing a specialist company.
As part of a warranty agreement for the new equipment, which has been purchased thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Play Park Working Group during the past year, regular maintenance inspections will need to be carried out.
Clerk Judith Mashiter said: “At the time the equipment failed at the play park we did say we left the inspection too long and it was discussed about looking after the new equipment. The warranty [on the new equipment] will be invalid if the maintenance inspection is not adhered to.”
Quotes had been received from various companies, including the firm that carried out a previous inspection for the council.
Ms Mashiter said: “Play Inspired, which we have used before, quoted £340 plus VAT for three inspections, £475 from another company.
“However, it is not specified who has to carry these out apart from the annual inspection.”
Cllr John Miller said: “As a responsible owner of a new play area worth £45,000, having a quality inspection is the responsible thing to do.”
Cllr Bob Danby, who has been carrying out regular maintenance checks at the play park since it was made safe in September 2018, said he was happy to continue doing the inspections.
He added: “As long as things don’t change, I’m happy to do that and it will save us a little bit of money.”
Cllr Nickie Hough said: “It was discussed in the primary meeting [of the play park working group] it could be possible that fundraising could help fund the maintenance and inspection.”
Ms Mashiter added the council had budgeted for some maintenance and inspection work to the play area.
She said: “In the budget for this year there was £100 set aside for an annual safety inspection and £500 for maintenance.
Cllr Adam Hearn said: “Can we make sure the first annual inspection of the new equipment is some time in September to make sure the park is not closed during the school holidays.”
Members agreed to the maintenance inspections being carried out by Cllr Danby with a review in December to ensure it is “the right strategy” .
