Islington Tribune - News: grant rescues torched playground

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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 1 June 2007

£1.7m grant rescues torched playground

AN adventure playground attacked by arsonists is to rise from the ashes, with the help of a £1.7 million grant.
The Three Corners Adventure Playground, near Spa Fields in Finsbury, was burned down in August last year. The culprits have still not been caught.
Now, thanks to £1.7 million from EC1 New Deal regeneration body, the playground is to be given a massive facelift.
A new two-storey building will house activities for ages ranging five to 21. A temporary office building is already on-site.
At a launch party on Tuesday, guests included poster competition winner Georgie Savill.
Sergeant Joe Kennils, who heads the police’s Clerkenwell Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: “The fire did affect us and we didn’t know where the kids were at any one time. A lot of the kids were quite devastated.”
Police have donated £150 of their own money towards new equipment for the playground.
Sgt Kennils also asked colleagues borough-wide for any unwanted toys or board games.
Parents praised youth workers for keeping Three Corners running but criticised Islington Council for failing to step in with cash help.
Nicola Salmon, 30, said: “This is a fantastic place but it was the youth workers who kept everything running.
“They did a really tough job throughout the winter keeping the kids amused.”

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