City of Vincent mayor Emma Cole with local residents ripping up the old rule the prohibited rope ladders and swings on verge trees.
City of Vincent
Camera IconCity of Vincent mayor Emma Cole with local residents ripping up the old rule the prohibited rope ladders and swings on verge trees. City of Vincent Credit: Supplied/City of Vincent

Swings and roundabouts: City of Vincent changes policy to allow rope swings and ladders on verge trees

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

CITY of Vincent residents can now attach swings and rope ladders to verge trees for children to play on without council approval.

The change to the City’s verge tree policy was passed by council last night , five months after a North Perth family was forced to remove a rope swing from a tree outside their Chamberlain Street home.

The Guardian Express reported in December, four weeks before Christmas, the family had posted a note on the tree addressed to the people who dobbed them in to council.

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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 confirmed two complaints were received in November, the verge was inspected on the 16th and the property owner contacted on the 27th.

The incident prompted a review of the City’s policy.

Mayor Emma Cole said the council wanted to encourage children to play outdoors.

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