Dangerous Toddler Swing on Bladindon Drive in Bexley Poses Ongoing Hazard to Children

May 21, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

A dangerous toddler swing on Bladindon Drive in Blendon, Bexley, has been reported as severely cracked, creating an ongoing hazard for children in the local community. The issue, reported on FixMyStreet, highlights concerns for the safety of young residents using the play equipment.

The Problem Explained

According to a resident report submitted on 21st May, a toddler swing on Bladindon Drive is cracked almost the whole way through, with both sides of the swing described as being in a similarly poor condition. The report alleges that the swing is "very dangerous to children" and expresses worry that it "will crack fully." Photos accompany the report, illustrating the extent of the damage. Furthermore, the report states that the other swing on the set of two is also in need of replacement.

Local Impact and Context

The damaged play equipment on Bladindon Drive is located in a residential area, with Blendon Pre-school situated directly on Bladindon Drive. This proximity to a pre-school underscores the potential impact on young children and families in the immediate vicinity. The presence of St James The Great Blendon Church also on Bladindon Drive further highlights the community-focused nature of the area. While no specific history of repeat issues at this particular playground was found, the London Borough of Bexley has previously faced discussions regarding the maintenance of its open spaces and playgrounds.

Council Response and Status

The London Borough of Bexley acknowledged the report on FixMyStreet on the same day it was submitted, with the status updated to "Investigating" and subsequently "Internal referral." The report is now closed to public updates. Bexley Council aims to inspect urgent issues, such as large trip hazards, within one day and provide a response within five working days. Permanent repairs, often carried out by contractors, are allowed "several weeks" for completion. The Council has a contract with Nurture Group for the maintenance of its 35 playgrounds, which commenced on 1st October 2025. Additionally, the Council approved a budget in March 2026 that includes a £2.5 million investment into improving the borough's playgrounds and parks. Playground safety guidelines suggest that wetpour inspections should be conducted at least twice a year, with additional assessments after heavy use or adverse weather.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.