STRIKE #localandproud THREE!
Playtime is over at third city site after council staff strip away the equipment
equipment at a third children’s play area has been removed by city council workmen.
The staff have stripped away a slide, swings, a climbing frame, and a rocking elephant from the site in Caverswall Road in Weston Coyney.
The first families knew of it was when they captured the workmen on camera as they removed the equipment from the site behind Weston Coyney private Social Club.
Similar equipment at playgrounds in Goldenhill and trent Vale has also been removed. now the latest action has sparked calls for the Weston Coyney playground to be reinstated.
neighbour Adam Gratton, aged 42, said: “When the weather was good they all used the play area. i certainly want to see something put back in place.”
Dog walker Sandra Allman, aged 77, said: “We always bring my grandson across. i don’t know the reason why they took it away – i’ve no idea at all.”
Others have said the play area, which has been in place since the late 1960s, was in need of repair.
paul Sutton, aged 55, said:
“i can understand it being removed, but i think if something was put there specifically for younger kids then people walking past for school might use it more. i don’t think it has been that well maintained.
“i think there’s room there for kids to play, and to put something there for kids on their way to school or coming back from school. They would use it – but not how it was. it wasn’t worth being there.”
The council has taken the action following a review of substandard play equipment within its playgrounds.
Councillor Carl edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have found some play equipment is not to the standard that we would accept in our play areas so we have taken the decision to remove it.
“The refurbishment of Central Forest park is complete and looking great and work to Westport Lake play area has now started – meaning we will have some great new facilities at both sites. The continuation of replacing surfaces and any rotten equipment continues throughout the summer and autumn and will see many playgrounds improved.”