Pub rails against park gate

PLAY time is over . . . landlord David Blair with Leonie-Jade Henry, a regular customer’s daughter who can no longer access the park

Landlord to fight ruling

A DETERMINED landlord has vowed to keep up the fight to give children safe access to a public play area behind his family-friendly pub.

David Blair, who took over the Famous King George in Hollins Road two years ago, created a gate in metal railings behind the pub in November, 2009, so children could use the play area while their parents were inside.

But Oldham Council has now welded the gate shut to prevent access from the pub — much to the fury of locals.

Mr Blair has now compiled hundreds of names on a petition to have the gate re-instated.

The Chronicle reported how the newly revamped park was targeted by teenage vandals last week with regulars at the near-by Lark Inn unable to intervene due to a similarly sealed-off gate there.

David said: “I’m baffled as to why the council has done this, the gate was doing no harm and we had a member of staff watching at all times to make sure no glasses were taken on to the park.

“Now the gate is sealed shut, children have to walk along a busy road to get to the park from the pub or walk down a poorly maintained back alley.

“I was asked by many parents if I would put the gate in to make it safer for children wanting to use the park. I wrote to the council many times to ask permission to build the gate but was continually ignored so I installed it myself at a cost of £1,200.

“Customers were looking forward to letting their children use the play area as the weather improves.

“But last week I received a letter asking me to remove the gate and restore the fence to its original condition. I asked for a meeting and told them that I had installed CCTV costing £6,500 to ensure the safety of my customers and the local community. The gate is only opened during the hours when children are allowed in the pub and closed at all other times.

“No-one who is not a customer at the pub can access the gate so it is extremely safe.

“Despite hearing all this, the council still turned up and welded the gate shut. I am furious and think it is a shame for all the children who used and enjoyed the facility.”

Elaine McLean, Oldham Council’s executive director of economy, places and skills, said: “This gate was put in without permission from the council.

“As alcochol is not allowed in any park in Oldham it is not appropriate for licensed premises to have direct access into a public space which is for all citizens in the borough to enjoy.

“Regardless of what the licensee states, as the park is owned and managed by the council, it decides on how the park is managed and what activities are allowed to take place.”