Controversial £50k Outdoor Chess Tables Unveiled as Part of ‘Levelling Up Agenda’

The controversial outdoor chess tables, bought as part of the ex-Tory government’s ‘levelling up agenda’ at a cost of £50k, have finally been unveiled across Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside. The 20 black and white square-topped tables and seats, costing £2,500 each, were intended to help young people hone their skills in “patience and critical thinking”. However, locals have criticized the move as ‘tokenistic’ and ‘patronizing’, with some questioning the value for money and the actual interest in chess among young people.

The outdoor furniture was recently unveiled in Carlisle, Cumbria, sparking outrage among residents who feel that the money could have been better spent on more suitable facilities. Some social media users expressed disbelief at the high cost of the tables and questioned the government’s decision to place only one table in each park. Others suggested that a more practical approach would be to install multiple tables in one location or to incorporate other board games like Ludo, Monopoly, or Snakes and Ladders.

The levelling up scheme, which aimed to bridge the gap between different regions, has been criticized by Labour as merely a slogan. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities has now removed ‘levelling up’ from its title, signaling a shift in government priorities. Despite the controversy surrounding the outdoor chess tables, they have been installed in various locations, with mixed reactions from the public.