Protesting mothers win play area fight

A mothers’ campaign to get fencing installed at a Failsworth play area has resulted in victory.

After the Chronicle’s front page story on their protest last week, Oldham Council has agreed to put up railings at Higher Failsworth Memorial Park.

Local residents met parks manager Steve Smith last week to highlight their complaints after the play area was revamped, but the original railings were not replaced.

Janet Raine, who was one of the 30 mums, childminders and children who protested about the dangers of removing the fencing, is delighted.

She said: “We met at the park so he could see for himself the dogs’ problem and he held up his hands and admitted they had made a mistake.

“The fencing will be replaced in some form in the next financial year after April.

“We mentioned that this idea could be repeated at all 22 parks across Oldham and he said all parks will be treated individually.

“Common sense will prevail and they will listen to local knowledge.

“In some of the bigger parks, taking down fencing around children’s play areas might not be so much of a problem, but Higher Failsworth is a very confined space and dogs will come into the play area and sand pit.”

A user at another park where the playground fencing was removed, in George Street, Shaw, also complained to the Chronicle that it left young children at risk from the River Beal and the main road.

The council says the changes are part of the Playbuilder initiative, improving 22 sites and working with local groups to plan free outdoor natural play sessions and increasing activities in parks.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “After meeting local people and reconsidering the size of the park — plus heavy use by people exercising their dogs — the council has decided to review each of the sites and reinstate fencing where this is seen as the best solution.

“We are committed to improving play facilities and Playbuilder is definitely the way forward, however, it is important to be aware that the way parks and open spaces are used can change and the increase in the number of dogs and owners has had an impact on how Higher Memorial Park is used.

“We are listening to people and this means that we will modify the plans to meet local needs.”

Anyone witnessing an irresponsible dog owner not cleaning up after their dog please can call 0161-770 6644 to report it.