Councillors call for action over park’s play area

Councillors in Blackpool’s South Shore are calling for a park’s play area to be brought back into use following repeated enquiries from local families.

Waterloo Councillor Diane Mitchell and Squires Gate Councillor Carl Mitchell MBE say families have been unable to use the younger children’s play area at Highfield Road Park throughout the summer holidays because it is fenced off.

The main play equipment is the play ship but this has been deemed unsafe by the council.

The two councillors say they have made several requests for it to be made safe and reopened but feel they are getting nowhere.

Blackpool Council says it is looking at options to replace the play ship.

Cllr Diane Mitchell said:“It is such a shame to see a children’s playground sitting empty behind fencing, particularly during the school holidays and after the wonderful weather we have had.

“With the continuing pressure on household budgets, a trip to the local park costs nothing. It gets children outdoors, away from electronic devices and gives families somewhere they can spend time together.

“For many families, the local playground is their day out.”

Highfield Road Park serves families from both the Waterloo and Squires Gate wards, and the councillors say residents deserve a clear explanation about why the play area remains closed and when it will reopen.

Cllr Carl Mitchell MBE said:“We understand there may be safety or maintenance issues that need resolving, but we want to know exactly what needs to be done, what is preventing the play area from reopening and, most importantly, whether there is now a clear plan and timetable to bring it back into use.

“Children just want somewhere safe to run, climb, play and enjoy being children. We will keep pressing for answers because we would much rather see children inside this fence enjoying the playground than standing outside looking through it.”
The two councillors are calling for the Council to provide a clear update on the condition of the play equipment, any work required, the reasons for the continued closure and a timetable for reopening the playground.

WHAT THE COUNCIL SAYS

Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of the Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “Unfortunately the play ship at Highfield Road Park has been cordoned off due to safety issues, following an inspection earlier this year.

“We did review options to complete repairs but we knew some residents had concerns about the safety of the sand surrounding it too, so took the decision to remove and replace the equipment. The ship is now scheduled to be removed this month

“In the meantime, we have been reviewing funding options to replace it with a new piece of play equipment.
“We’re sorry that this has left part of the play park out of use over the summer holidays but we’re grateful to families for their patience and understanding.”