The flooding of a local children’s playground could have been prevented if Haringey Council acted sooner say Haringey’s Liberal Democrat councillors.

Families were unable to use Albert Road playground during the Christmas break after water from a burst water main engulfed poorly maintained drains. Local Lib Dem councillor Wayne Hoban has criticised Labour-run Haringey Council for failing to improve drainage in the playground during recent improvements and has urged Haringey Council and utility companies to repair the damage swiftly and prevent future flooding problems.

Over the last two years, old play equipment has been replaced and the playground was re-landscaped after successful funding bids by the Friends of Albert Road Recreation Ground. No work was carried out to improve much needed drainage despite calls from Lib Dems.

Cllr Wayne Hoban (Alexandra ward) comments:

“I am extremely disappointed that children and families have been unable to use their local playground over the Christmas period. I have strongly urged Haringey Council and utility companies to work effectively together to ensure that the leak is repaired at the earliest opportunity.

“I am very disappointed that Haringey Council failed to take the opportunity to tackle the long-standing drainage problem during the recent playground upgrade programme, despite frequent representations from myself and others over many years for effective action to address this problem.”