Park ‘not safe for children’ slammed
Keep your distance
WORRIED locals have slammed a playpark as “not safe for children” after it reopened. Residents in Garnethill fear the overgrown grass within the local park, which opened last week after being closed during lockdown, could be covering hidden dangers for children.
One local is seeking a return of the “abundance of beautiful parks” that once was – challenging Glasgow City Council to improve the “neglected” areas.
Margaret Salmon said: “The playpark in Garnethill can’t be used as it’s not safe for children, the grass is up to my knees, and who knows what it is hiding – in- cluding dog mess and glass.
“We have waited long enough to be able to get out to play, you need to clear the decks to make it safe.
“I am sure there are many other parks across the city that need attention.
She added: “All over this city we have filthy streets, pavements with weeds and grass growing out of them.
“Kids need decent, clean looked after parks to play in”
Glasgow City Council say they carried out checks at hundreds of well playparks in advance of their re- opening last week – with further work set to continue in the next few days.
They ask for continued patience from residents while they get through the “extremely challenging period”.
A spokesman said: “We are still dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 emergency and the delivery of services has still to return to anything like normal.
“We have resumed the grass cutting service in part, focusing mainly on cemeteries, crematoria and other key locations across the city.
“We also undertook checks at more than 400 playparks across the city to ensure they were safe to use prior to the national reopening of play equipment last week, including at Garnethill.
“When resources are available we will undertake maintenance in local community open spaces such as Garnethill Park.
“Work is scheduled to take place in the park this week and we will be cutting grass, litter picking and emptying bins.
“We are grateful for the patience shown by residents as we strive to get through this period.”
The grass is up to my knees