British parks could have their swing sets removed as a result of European Union health and safety rules.
The legislation was adopted by the UK after Brexit. But former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg dubbed the regulations "pettifogging", criticising the Government for failing to sweep them away following out exit from the European Union.
The EU imposed strict regulations on playground safety, dictating how manufacturers were allowed to design and install the swings.
It is now sparking concern that parks across the country could see their swings removed as a result of noncompliance with the rules.
British parks could have their swing sets removed as a result of European Union health and safety rules
PA
This came after a swing set in the Jubilee public playground in Beer, Devon, was demolished by East Devon district council as a result of the legislation.
It was replaced with a pirate play area - which does not include a swing - as part of a £400,000 revamp of five parks in the region.
Rees-Mogg told GB News: "It is weird that the government hasn’t ditched these pettifogging regulations.
"If it had implemented the Retained EU law bill properly this folderol would have been swept away."
The Government has faced criticism for failing to move fast enough with removing EU laws from the UK statute book, despite Sunak promising to review or repeal all EU laws in his first 100 days in office as part of his leadership bid.
The Lib Dem councillor in the area who is responsible for parks, Geoff Jung, said: "At Beer, there is a pirate-themed area with a slide and a ship climbing frame – although it wasn’t possible to include a swing (due to the space required, through the European Standards), we’ve selected the designs that provide the most play value, and that reduce environmental impact through recycled materials.
“We are confident local children and visitors alike will love the new facilities.”
Chairman of the Association of Play Industries, Dr Amanda Gummer, said it is a "shame" for children that the swing was demolished in Beer, saying that having safe, well-designed inclusive playgrounds was vital for children’s mental health.
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She said complying with the rules allows councils to protect themselves from legal action, telling the Telegraph: "Obviously, if kids get injured and they haven’t followed those standards, the council and possibly the installers would be liable for the claim.”
She added: "We would be risking our kids’ safety if we compromised the standards."