Play park needs a fence
Having read the article “Safety worries over play park” (Express, September 20) with regard to the new play park in Barshaw Park, I feel that I must respond to Renfrewshire Council on what a spokesperson for the council is reported to have said over concerns.
The council spokesperson has commented that there are no requirements to fence a play area, that parents and guardians are urged to supervise their children adequately, that there is no evidence of a risk of increased dog fouling in a chipped bark area, and that dog owners are asked to behave responsibly.
Let’s start with supervising children adequately.
Most families using the play area have more than one child in the area and a fence, as in the older play area, certainly slows down potential escapees and holds back any persons with strange designs on children from getting access.
With regards to responsible dog ownership, many dog owners who use Barshaw Park allow their dogs to run free and “pee and poo” all over the place – there is nothing to stop them using the play area.
My husband was walking our two dogs – who are always on their leads – in the park one morning last week and observed a gentleman purposefully throwing a ball into the new play area for his dog to chase.
There was nothing to stop it performing wherever it needed.
Responsible dog owners in Barshaw Park? Some are – many are not.
Instead of Renfrewshire Council hiding behind “no need for health and safety requirements” they should remember that they have a duty of care as a local authority to ensure the best possible care of Renfrewshire’s youngsters, particularly in relation to use of council facilities.
This new facility is fabulous. My grandchildren use it , but I am hugely concerned at the lack of fencing for safety and dog fouling reasons.
The original play area is fenced off. Why is the new one also not fenced off?
I hope that someone in the council sees sense and finishes off this excellent play park properly with a fence. Name and address supplied
Many dog owners who use Barshaw Park allow their dogs to “pee and poo” all over the place