The story concerns a children’s playground in the Cotswolds. It’s been fenced off and declared out of bounds because some residents have complained that the equipment is too brightly coloured. Although it seems that the issue is more about the presence or proximity of the playground, rather than the colour. Offers to have it all re-painted in dark green, have been declined because not only is the playground too brightly coloured, but it’s too big.
Even the snow couldn't tone down the outrageously coloured kit in SW's garden.
My guess is that those who are complaining are the same people who bemoan the fact that children spend too much time glued to their computer screens. The problem with serial sourpusses is that they’re often shrink-wrapped in a little world of their own making, and it can be hell’s own job to break the seal. For them, nothing less than an underground, sound-proofed play area would suffice. Even then, they’d probably stipulate that it was painted in grey.
I think the seen-and-not-heard brigade are making a come-back...?
ReplyDeleteFrances, I fear you may be right.
DeleteBloody cotswolds residents obsessive about everything 'fitting in', i have never lived in such a monotonous place. The local indian restaurant in Moreton where we used to live painted their woodwork (just window frames and doors that is) in turquoise and the local council forced them to repaint! I am not surprised by this report .. horrified but not surprised
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
martine
Martine, I wonder if these people are related to neighbours of mine who photograph any vehicle that's parked with two wheels on the grass verge.
DeleteThey,Themselves,Are None Too Bright?
ReplyDeleteYes, I get the impression that their upstairs is sparsely furnished, Tony.
DeletePity the children forced to grow up in a world of muted colors.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Helen.
DeleteI despair... how silly can folks get? You'd think they had never been children themselves.
ReplyDeleteYes I feel much the same, jennyfreckles.
DeleteUnbelievable snobbery! Would they rather the children roamed the streets throwing rocks onto the complaining fogey's houses (like some kids I used to know did - haha).
ReplyDeleteI don't think people like these limit their moans and groans to children, Gabrielle. At some point in their lives they appear to have slipped into the 'zone' where community spirit starts and stops within a clique.
DeleteHow tanatalising for the children to se the nice, brightly coloured playground and not be able to actually play on it. This sounds a bureaucratic nightmare, but like all such stories, I'll bet there is more to it than meets the eye. One presumes the plans were on view for all to see when the developer presented his proposal. Perhaps people didn't bother to view them, or if they did perhaps they are not as first proposed.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that bureaucracy plays much of a part here, Nell. Originally, objections were raised because the playground was too colourful. When a change of colour was offered, the playground equipment was deemed to be too big.
DeleteNot twee enough, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI suspect even if the playground equipment had been made from Cotswold stone, the same people would have objected on the grounds of inappropriate use of locally sourced materials.
DeleteWell, forgetting the size and colour of swingparks for the moment, let's be honest - children are noisy, messy pieces of work at the best of times, what with their screaming, shouting, littering, etc. In my experience, many parents think that everyone else's quality of life should take second place to that of their kids - who should be allowed to do anything they want. I once asked a kid to go and play in her own garden because her and one of her little chums were throwing sweet wrappers all over the grass. The mother - who it turned out was only visiting a neighbour and who didn't live in the area - chapped my door and informed me that her child would play where it liked. I soon disabused her of that notion, believe me. Parents seem to forget that people are entitled to a bit of peace and quiet in their own homes, and shouldn't have to put up with kids screaming at a million decibels right outside their window. Seen and not heard? I'd prefer not seen AND not heard, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't blame the children, Kid. If we're talking about socially acceptable behaviour, we're also talking about parental responsibility. The mother you refer to is a case in point. What sort of example is she setting? Ask yourself, would you have got away with littering and causing a nuisance? I certainly wouldn't have. The last thing in the world we wanted was an angry neighbour on our doorstep.
DeleteLike you, I have mostly fond memories of my childhood, but I clearly recall those grumpy gits who somehow found themselves a long way removed from fun.
these serial sourpusses need to close their curtains and stop looking out at real life...what is the matter with these folks!
ReplyDeleteThere are those who might benefit from having prunes for breakfast, Kathe!
ReplyDelete