Tamworth’s mayor has defended council’s decision not to fence the Kable Ave playground, saying the safety issue hasn’t been raised with him.
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The Leader’s social media received dozens of comments about the council standing firm on keeping the playground un-fenced.
Mayor Col Murray said it was important to keep the comments in context.
As mayor, I get a lot of representations from the community, and I don’t think I’ve had more than two advocating for a fence.
- Tamworth mayor - Col Murray
“There’s over 60,000 people who live in the region,” Cr Murray said.
The mayor said there were some valid points made in the discussion, but he said council “couldn’t react to every piece of public opinion”.
“As elected representatives, we have to make decisions and act on what we believe to be the best option,” he said.
“As mayor, I get a lot of representations from the community, and I don’t think I’ve had more than two advocating for a fence.
“We’re not even hearing from one per cent of the population.”
Deputy mayor Russell Webb agreed it wasn’t a large portion of the community expressing desire to the playground fenced.
“As councillors, we need to hear from the community and if there is a concern there, we need to hear it,” he said.
“Elected councillors are representatives of the community and we need to know what the majority are thinking.”
The Leader took to the streets on Monday to gauge the public’s opinion on the matter, and there was no clear cut consensus.
Bronwyn Bell said a fence was needed because of all the cars parking along the playground.
“You keep a watch over them of course, but all it takes is a split second for a kid to say 'I'm going this way' and they're off,” Ms Bell said.
“As a driver it would be my worst fear to back into a kid.”
Kara Brown said putting a fence wouldn't reduce vandalism.
“A fence won't change what people do - if people want to vandalise it, they'll just jump the fence and probably bend that too,” Ms Brown said.
Penny Hands said it was “probably not a bad idea” for a fence around the playground.
“What's more important, aesthetics or children's lives?” Ms Hands said.
Barraba resident Bert Graves has visited the playground with his kids and doesn't see the need for a fence.
“I was more concerned about the little one getting stuck up when she decided she didn't want to go down the slide - I had to go up and get her,” Mr Graves said.