A North Perth family was forced to take down their son’s rope swing after complaints were made to City of Vincent.
Camera IconA North Perth family was forced to take down their son’s rope swing after complaints were made to City of Vincent. Credit: Supplied/Rachel Fenner

North Perth family forced to take down rope swing after complaints to City of Vincent

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

THE Grinch has come to North Perth early this year.

Four weeks before Christmas, a family has had to remove their child’s rope swing from a tree outside their home after two different people lodged a complaint to the City of Vincent.

The family placed a notice on the tree in its place for the two snitches.

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“Congratulations, we have been asked to take them down,” the note read.

“Unfortunately, however, you missed the event of us telling our child that he can no longer play in the equipment that he loves so much.

“You also missed seeing the stream of tears run down his face as we consoled him.”

Vincent chief executive Len Kosova said two complaints were received in November, the verge was inspected on the 16th and the property owner contacted on the 27th.

He said the City would be liable if anyone injured themselves using play equipment attached to verge trees if it was aware the equipment was there and did nothing.

Mayor Emma Cole said she looked forward to reviewing the policy in the new year.

“Play equipment like swings and rope ladders in street trees adds to the appeal and activation of our streets and encourages kids in the neighbourhood to play together outdoors,” she said.

“The current approach staff are forced to take seems misaligned to council and community sentiment on what is acceptable in our verges and street trees.

“I therefore look forward to reviewing our position on this in the New Year and taking a more flexible and positive approach.”

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