Advertisement
Mums rail over park fence axe
Reporter: JANICE BARKER
Date online: 23/02/2010
angry mums and minders took toddlers on a protest in the park yesterday after play area railings were removed leaving it vulnerable to danger.
Higher Failsworth Memorial Park, off Ravenoak Drive, was landscaped before Christmas with a new sandpit and wooden climbing area.
But the council also took down perimeter fencing to give the playground a more natural look.
Now parents and carers say it is unsafe. They have compiled a 300-name petition to have the fence put back.
Michelle Lockett, of Stansfield Road, Failsworth, looks after nine children at different times. She has helped raise the petition.
She said: “Children are in real danger. There is a little sandpit but nothing to keep dogs out.
“It’s hard to keep your eye on a few children at the same time.
“The council said it was making it a more natural play area but we want the fence back.”
Another child minder, Ann Walton, added: “I look after three under-fives.
“I have not been to the playground since the fencing came down because it would be extremely difficult.
“Not only can the play area be fouled by dogs but you can’t differentiate between someone walking past and someone approaching the children.”
The campaign is being supported by former Failsworth councillor and local resident Barbara Dawson.
She said: “If this is going to be council policy at all parks it doesn’t make any sense.”
Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said the design was a bid to encourage better access and challenging play opportunities and would be repeated at 22 parks across the borough.
He added: “We are currently in the process of organising a meeting with local residents to talk matters through with them. We will take on board any comments, positive or negative.
“Sites are continually monitored — the staff who manage the play area work on a seven-day rota.
“If changes are required then this process will be managed once we have exhausted all the avenues available to us.”
Comments
Typical action from this Council, make it look pretty! without any sensible thoughts being applied to what the area actually is - a PLAY AREA FOR CHILDREN - not a doggie loo !
And will the staff be working 24/7 ?... as they will need to be to make certain this is not abused, without a fence it will just be a matter of time before the dog's have used it, the litter louts abused it and the perverts considering it!
Why not let residents know the fence was coming down and why before it was removed?
'challenging play opportunities' - of avoid the dog and its mess
To 'be repeated at 22 parks' - he obviously couldn't care less that he may have a further 22 protests
The council have probably looked at how much compensation is paid out per year to children who have been injured in play grounds, and have decided that if fences are not there in the first place then kids wont be in danger of getting injured climbing up and falling off them !! just an idea :)
Another Alcock up. I thought the Lib/Dems were in favour of consultation, did they ask parents, grandparents and child minders NO. Just rip the fences down to save on paint. Mr Alcock are you stupid? Children cannot run off on to roads ,dogs and their mess are kept out and adults looking after toddlers feel safer. GOT IT !!
Comes to something when the council have to start ripping down fencing to weigh in as scrap metal to see then through to the end of the financial year!!!! Or is it to raise some cash to pay off Mr. Millers compo claim i wonder???
beerman - consultation to this lot, means talking through their plans in private before forcing them on the public. This council are an utter disgrace. I have my own local reasons to detest and distrust them, but this kids playground fiasco just sums up their arrogant attitude perfectly. I hope this ridiculous decision gets overturned quickly, and I hope that this clueless LibDem council get removed from office shortly afterwards. If only Nick Clegg knew.... now there's a thought.
Have the same problem with bowling greens. Will not fence as it would not give an open aspect. That is, an open aspect for families having picnics, footballers, cricketers and any layabout who gets a kick from digging up greens.
Charging bowlers for keys would finance the fencing and they could 'hide' the fencing with bushes and trees as they do in Manchester
Have the same problem with bowling greens. Will not fence as it would not give an open aspect. That is, an open aspect for families having picnics, footballers, cricketers and any layabout who gets a kick from digging up greens.
Charging bowlers for keys would finance the fencing and they could 'hide' the fencing with bushes and trees as they do in Manchester
Have Your Say
WHAT ALCOK MEANS IS REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS, FORGET SAFETY
By Keith @ 23/02/2010 13:03:18
Report this comment (22684)