Unacceptable Safety Risks and 'Total Lack of Maintenance' Exposed in Royce Recreation Ground, Princess Avenue, Oakham, Play Area Reports

Unacceptable Safety Risks and 'Total Lack of Maintenance' Exposed in Royce Recreation Ground, Princess Avenue, Oakham, Play Area Reports

New equipment installed on Royce Recreation Ground 2014

Oakham Town Council faces urgent safety questions after a trio of Annual Inspection Reports for its play areas revealed a site assessed as an “Unacceptable Risk” and two others rated as “High Risk” and “Medium Risk," highlighting multiple critical safety failures across the town's public facilities.

The reports, all dated November 27, 2025, from Seagrave Inspection Services, found severe structural defects and maintenance failures, prompting a call for immediate action on dangerous equipment.

Critical "Unacceptable Risk" at Princess Avenue

The most serious finding was at the Princess Avenue Open Play Area, which received an overall rating of Unacceptable Risk (21). According to the inspector's risk scale, a score of 21 or more requires the equipment to be "Remove or immobilise immediately".

The specific issue leading to this rating was the Outdoor Gym Equipment, which displayed severe rust/corrosion. The report recommended to "Remove/replace all units".

Editors Note: The Outdoor Gym Equipment was donated to Oakham after Oakham featured in a advertising campaign for Flora many years ago and it has never been maintained.

High Risk of Crush and Entrapment

Two other sites were rated as High Risk (13-20), requiring action "ASAP to implement control measures".

Cutts Close Skate Park: Assessed as High Risk (15). The most serious defect was a transition issue in the Wheeled Sports Area where the gap between the rolling surface and a footplate was in excess of 5mm , with a recommendation to "Repair this condition asap".

Princess Avenue Fenced In Play Area: Assessed as High Risk (13). Inspectors found a dangerous defect on the Inclusive Roundabout, where a gap between the platform and the outer edge was excessive (over 8mm), creating a possible finger pinch/crush point. The report mandated to "Carry out repairs to this unit asap".

Beyond the most critical risks, the reports highlighted a pervasive lack of general maintenance across all sites:

Basket Swing (Princess Avenue Open Play): Rated High Risk (12) due to worn chain/connecting link(s), with a recommendation to "Replace worn elements asap".

General Swings (Cutts Close): Multiple cradle and flat swings showed wear evident on the chain and connecting links (Risk 8).

Safety Surfacing: Issues were widespread, including wet pour shrinkage at Princess Avenue and Cutts Close , and a need to repair damaged wet pour surfacing at the Basket Swing area.

Ancillary Items: Issues included fencing in "Poor" condition at Cutts Close , a maintenance gate not locked at Princess Avenue Fenced In Play Area , and an explicit recommendation in all three reports to "Consider a robust maintenance and inspection schedule".

Councillor Condemns "Total Lack of General Maintenance"

A Town Councillor, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on the inspection findings, linking the play area neglect to broader issues within the Council:

"The report does not surprise me there is a total lack of general maintenance of the councils responsibilities, it is a huge concern, I find it hard to believe one year on this council is considering sorting out the neglect at Victoria Hall and it can not keep its own house in order."