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Labour Promises Playgrounds Reopened 'Within Days'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 7:14 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locales: Greater Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM

Stockport, Greater Manchester - February 21st, 2026 - Shadow Housing Secretary Sarah Teather today pledged that Labour would reopen playgrounds across England "within days" of winning power, addressing a growing national concern over the closures stemming from the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in playground structures.

The commitment, made during a visit to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, signals a clear divergence in approach from the current government, which has faced mounting criticism for the protracted closure of numerous playgrounds since the RAAC safety crisis emerged last September. Teather emphasized the crucial role playgrounds play in child development, stating, "Playgrounds are essential for children's physical and mental health and wellbeing. The government's slow action has left children missing out for too long. A Labour government would prioritise reopening playgrounds and would do so within days."

The RAAC issue initially surfaced in schools, leading to the partial or full closure of over 100 educational institutions across England. The lightweight concrete, used extensively in public buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1990s, is prone to collapse and requires urgent assessment and remediation. The scope of the problem subsequently expanded to include playgrounds, prompting local authorities nationwide to conduct safety inspections and, in many cases, temporarily shut down affected facilities.

Stockport Council, for instance, has been forced to close 17 playgrounds due to the presence of RAAC. Similar situations are unfolding in councils across the country, leaving parents frustrated and concerned about the impact on their children. The closures not only limit opportunities for physical activity but also deny children essential social interaction and outdoor play - vital components of a healthy childhood.

The government's handling of the RAAC crisis has been heavily scrutinized. Critics argue that the response has been too slow and that a lack of proactive maintenance and oversight allowed the problem to escalate. The extended inspection process and the complexities of sourcing appropriate remedial work have contributed to the delays in reopening playgrounds. There are reports of long waiting lists for qualified structural engineers, further compounding the issue.

Labour's pledge goes beyond simply reopening playgrounds; it implies a commitment to a more robust and efficient system for identifying and addressing RAAC risks. While details of the proposed plan remain somewhat vague, Teather hinted at a streamlined inspection and repair process, potentially involving increased funding for local authorities and the rapid deployment of qualified contractors.

Experts suggest that a comprehensive solution requires not only immediate repairs but also a long-term strategy for managing aging infrastructure. "The RAAC issue is a symptom of a wider problem - years of underinvestment in public buildings," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a structural engineer specializing in school and playground safety. "We need a national assessment of all buildings containing RAAC, coupled with a sustained program of maintenance and replacement."

The Labour commitment has been welcomed by parent groups, who have been actively campaigning for swift action. "This is a huge relief," said Sarah Miller, spokesperson for the 'Playtime for All' campaign. "Children have been denied access to vital play spaces for far too long. We urge the government to respond and outline their own plans for addressing this crisis."

The upcoming election is likely to see playground safety become a key battleground issue, with Labour hoping to capitalize on public frustration with the current government's handling of the RAAC crisis. The pressure is now on the Conservatives to demonstrate a clear and credible plan for reopening playgrounds and ensuring the safety of children across the country. The situation highlights the crucial need for preventative infrastructure maintenance and long-term planning to avoid similar crises in the future. Furthermore, it has ignited a broader conversation regarding the funding and prioritization of children's access to safe and enriching outdoor spaces.