LONDON: Leading insurer Zurich has promised to review its decision to withdraw insurance cover from two of the capital’s adventure playgrounds.

Zurich had declined to renew cover for Glamis and Hornimans Adventure Playgrounds despite their long ‘no claim’ histories, sparking fears that other playgrounds would be next and mass closures could ensue.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan was alarmed enough to call on Zurich to reconsider.He wrote: “London benefits from having more adventure playgrounds than any other city. I am therefore concerned about the possible removal of insurance cover from some adventure playgrounds and the wider implications that this could have across London’s neighbourhoods and communities.”

Following his intervention, Zurich, London Play and Play England, Zurich met, resulting in the release of a joint statement: “Following a constructive discussion between Zurich Municipal, Play England & London Play, Zurich Municipal has agreed to revisit its decision to not invite insurance renewal for some of their adventure playground customers. It was acknowledged and appreciated by Play England & London Play that Zurich Municipal currently insures, and remains committed to supporting adventure playgrounds and play parks across the UK and London. Zurich Municipal will be working with Play England, London Play & other stakeholders to explore the opportunities to establish an adventure playgrounds quality standard.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan commented. “Adventure playgrounds make a big contribution to London life – providing spaces for children to be active and bringing communities together.That’s why I called on Zurich Insurance to meet with Play England and London Play to discuss the insurance of these vital spaces, and I’m delighted that they have had constructive discussions about making sure they can stay open.”