DURHAM LABOUR STUDENTS PRODUCE POLICY REPORTS from Ian Taylor
A Durham University Labour Club Study Group has produced a report on Children's Palygrounds with particular reference to Durham City. This has been printed by the City Labour Party as a first step towards, it is hoped, the report being adopted as local policy. On an national level the report concerns itself with a critical assessment of the resulations existing in this country to enforce the provisions of playgrounds, compared with those abroad. Secondly, the report discusses the nature and concept of a playground, This idea is developed in arguing the inter-relation between playgrounds, the community, social education and child development. Finally, the report analyses a survey conducted on three housing estates in Durham in which 1,000 parents and children were interviewed by David Robertson, the leader of the group. This is used to argue the necessity for drastic action immediately, and the need for long-term social planning,
The support from the local party is enthunstic and this may lead to the report's adoption as a policy statement for the Labour Group on the Council, The Durham City Council is Tory-controlled, under the pseudonym "Independent", Their representation is, however, beinz whittled down each year with a more active local party and help from the University Labour Club, in canvassing and at regular meetings. Ex-Labour Club president, Trevor Page, is political education officer for the City Party and is helping to waken the party to live issues. The support for the report is one example of ‘this renewed’ vital interest from local Party members. Another Labour Club study éropp has produced a report on Regional Government. This was an attempt to-show the vital connexion between the resional concept and the socialist appPoach to the ideas of democracy.
The Adventure Playgrounds Report is available from D.S. Robertson, Hatfield College, Durham. The Regional Government Report from Rex Taylor, Flat C, 1, Victoria Terrace, Durhame