New road swing

Hello Villagers,

The rope swing at the bottom of new road has been cut down.

Does anyone know who, or why it has been removed?

Best wishes

Emma Hillier

Posted by: Emma Hillier | 19/05/2020 8:55 pm

Hello Cecilia. I don't think people are listening. It is especially in these restricted times that it is not allowed to be used. Thames Valley Police (+ SODC / SOHA) are involved regarding the human excrement near the swing (still there) and they said that the swing's use is a breach of lockdown, see my last post ref Gov.UK. People are being fined for using playground equpment for a good reason! The park will re-open eventually, there are swings and lots of other nice equipment in there.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 23/05/2020 1:14 pm

I'm also sad to see it's been cut down. There aren't that many simple pleasures for kids that doesn't involve a screen these days, especially in these restricted times.

Posted by: Cecilia Waller | 23/05/2020 10:34 am

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-guidance-on-spending-time-outdoors - Press release - New guidance on spending time outdoors from 13 May 2020. 'This new provision enabling increased outdoor activity does not allow people to: use a playground or outdoor gym'. Nothing has changed since 23 March when all playgrounds were closed, until the swing disappeared the lockdown was breached continually for eight weeks.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 22/05/2020 11:13 pm

Hello Lindsay. Its only 2 minutes through the alleyway to reach a fully equipped playground with proper (safe) swings / equipment. I had a peaceful existance in my garden for 10 years prior to this swing being put up. I am in my 60's, work full time long hours, having people's presence/noise all day just on the other side of my fence for most of every weekend is not very nice, it is very invasive on my privacy. Its continual use since 23 Mar has been a breach of lockdown / risking lives/NHS.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 22/05/2020 10:03 am

This is such a shame, I thought the swing was a real feature of the village for the young ones, my daughter loved it and was really saddened to see it cut down. I’ve personally never seen lots of rubbish left there. If there is drug usage here has this been reported to the police?

Posted by: Lindsay Trower | 22/05/2020 9:30 am

As a Key Worker in my 60s who has worked full time through lockdown, my company making PPE for the NHS, I can finally get some weekend respite. The swing just outside my garden fence is just awful, the continual lack of privacy, constant noise, the litter I clear up, even occasional drug paraphernalia from teenagers who visit at night. The garage forecourt is for the private use of garage renters / their visitors yet we have even had our cars damaged by children throwing branches at conkers.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 21/05/2020 6:03 pm

The tree is on SOHA land not unadopted land. On 23 March all Councils nationwide closed all playgrounds / play equipment in parks etc. (as the virus can live on various hard surfaces for some time) to protect children, stop the spread of the virus and help save the NHS. Shiplake Park was closed by the Council yet against Gov Guidelines and advice the swing was used ALL this time till now by parents putting their children / others / the NHS at risk. I am glad it has gone, please see next post.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 21/05/2020 6:03 pm

Would love to know what happened to it - my children use it a lot. Would there be objections to putting up another one? Katherine Liddell

Posted by: Katherine Liddell | 20/05/2020 8:03 pm