New children’s playgrounds that were built as part of a 400-home development in High Wycombe have been left fenced-off and abandoned despite being complete for nearly two years – leaving residents “baffled”.
Swings, climbing frames and even a zip line are sat on the Pine Trees development in Daws Hill Lane just waiting to be used by eager children living on the Taylor Wimpey estate but remain fenced-off, even though they were installed back in 2019.
The gates into the parks even have Covid-19 play area guidance posters on them – but no one can get in to use the shiny new equipment.
It has left families who moved into the housing development scratching their heads as one resident told the Bucks Free Press they have twice been promised opening dates that have now passed by Taylor Wimpey.
One resident who lives on the estate wanted to remain anonymous in case speaking out affected any further work they need to have on their new home but said the situation was “incredibly disappointing”.
He said: “What’s so baffling about the situation is that construction of the playgrounds was actually finished nearly two years ago, but the playgrounds have been fenced off ever since. Presumably it’s sheer bureaucracy that is behind this.
“Several months ago we were told they would open on May 1... which turned into July 1... and this week that’s turned into August 1, with hardly any signs of progress.
"It’s incredibly disappointing for residents with children, especially in hot weather… and Taylor Wimpey charges a great deal for houses here.”
Photos taken by the resident in November last year show the playgrounds complete with exciting equipment just ready to be used by the youngsters living on the estate, but no progress has been made since they were snapped.
The resident added: “I realise this may seem like a ‘first world problem’ since there are far worse things going on in the world... but to those who live here it’s unbelievable that a wealthy FTSE 100 company would allow this situation to drag on and on.”
A Taylor Wimpey spokesman has apologised for the delay but remained hopeful it would be open before the end of summer.
They said: “We would like to apologise to the residents of our Pine Trees development for the delayed unveiling of the play area.
"We are currently in the process of transferring responsibility of the play area to a management company and anticipate the play area will be opened later this summer.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel