September 15th 2024.
Hunter, a lively four-year-old boy, loves nothing more than bouncing on his trampoline in his own backyard. Unfortunately, his local council, Canterbury City Council, has caused quite a stir by ordering his parents to take down his beloved play equipment.
Hunter's parents, Owen and Paige, built the trampoline and swing set for him at their home in Sturry, Kent. As an autistic child, Hunter often struggles to play in public spaces. His parents thought that having his own little play area in the safety of their own garden would be the perfect solution. They spent £150 on the equipment and were hopeful that the council would understand their situation.
However, to their disappointment, the council deemed the trampoline and swing set a health and safety hazard. This came as a shock to Owen and Paige, as there had been no complaints from their neighbours. They had even checked with their neighbors, who assured them that they had no problem with the play equipment.
Owen expressed his frustration, saying, "We only installed the trampoline because Hunter keeps escaping from the park, and it's just not safe for him. Having our own little space is so much safer and kinder for him." He also explained that Hunter struggles to communicate with other children and often gets upset when they are mean to him. The trampoline and swing set provide him with a sense of comfort and security.
Paige, who received the letter from the council, is willing to take down the swing set every night and secure the trampoline to ensure no one else uses it. She also mentioned that their neighbors do not use their garden and have no problem with the play equipment. They simply want to have a conversation with the council and find a solution that works for everyone.
Unfortunately, the council has not been open to negotiation. Paige said, "We just want a bit of leeway, a chance to talk it out, as I don't think the council understands how important this is to us. We feel quite upset as we've explained why we need it, and we've tried to meet them halfway about it. But they've met us with a brick wall."
Paige moved into the flats last year, and Owen visits daily to help with the children. Hunter has been playing on the trampoline and swing set for two months and asks to go outside every day. However, a routine inspection by the council gave them only 48 hours to remove the equipment.
Owen also pointed out the hypocrisy of the council, as neighboring flats have ornaments such as bird baths, despite the tenancy agreements stating that no items can be erected in the garden. He also mentioned a pile of rubbish in the garden that has been attracting rats, which the council has not cleaned up.
He believes that the council is being picky about what they choose to enforce and accused them of not understanding the struggles of a family with an autistic child. "The council comes round and does inspections all the time - it's like they're noticing stuff but being picky about what they want to punish people for," he said.
In response, a council spokesman stated that while they sympathize with the family's situation, the tenancy agreement clearly states that communal areas cannot be used in this manner. They have to apply this rule to everyone to be fair. They also expressed concerns about the safety of residents installing their own equipment in communal areas without supervision or guarantee of its condition.
The council is open to talking to the family directly, but they cannot negotiate on this issue. They expect the trampoline to be removed as requested and will also address the concern about the rubbish in the garden.
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