Since 1970, we are told, there has been an ‘increasing influence of risk aversion on the lives our young people’.

Playground safety has increased through pressure from child agencies, the media and consumers alike.

Activities that the last generation engaged in without a second thought and enjoyed have been relabelled as ‘troubling’ or ‘dangerous’ and the adults who permit such activities branded irresponsible.

Childhood is a practice arena for life – and life is a risk. If, however, childhood – which is already being eroded daily – is being undermined by risk aversion, are we not in fact giving way to having a nanny state? Surely we should be advocating and allowing our children to develop their own good judgement, developing their own confidence not wrapping them up and limiting their freedom.

Statistics tell us that between 1986 and 1998 there was one child fatality every three or four years as a result of equipment related injuries – making the odds of a child dying in a playground less than 30 million to one.

The cost of resurfacing playgrounds with rubber surfacing cost £200-300m in the 90s, whereas residential traffic calming is at least 10 times more effective for saving lives – so is the spend about safety or not? Or is it more about the UK’s compensation culture?

Playing in our British playgrounds is safe, fun, healthy, builds confidence, assists in decision making and contributes to a healthy outdoor experience. ISPAL is keen to effect a change in policy that supports more adventurous sites. ISPAL fully supports the HSE in their criticism of petty restrictions that are overloaded with caution and take all the fun out of play.

Long live the Devil’s Dungeon – opposite the Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road in Coventry – long may youngsters feel the challenge and adrenaline of the rise and fall – and sometimes fall off (bikes).

Is there one near you? Is it more demanding? Has your local provider shown some measured wisdom in developing something more relaxed in terms of safety – and yet more challenging?