Mums rail over park fence axe

PARK strife . . . mums, carers and children protest at Higher Failsworth Park where playground railings have been removed

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.”