Call for clean-up and revamp of ‘grotty’ park
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA COVERED WITH GRAFFITI, BROKEN GLASS AND LITTER
PARENTS have spoken out about the “disappointing” state of a park in Wollaton.
They say the Seaford Avenue play area is often covered with rubbish, graffiti and broken glass and have called for improvements.
Mum of three Shannon Fletcher, 28, of Charlbury Road, said: “We walk past it everyday and it is a shame to see the state of it.
“It desperately needs improvements - in our community some people call it the ‘grotty’ park.”
Graffiti can be spotted all over the slide and steps located in the centre of the play area.
Ms Fletcher, who has lived in the area all her life, added: “It has always looked like this and nothing has been done to improve it.
“It is disheartening because it has a lot of potential. Some days, a local lady would come here to pick up the broken glass left behind the night before. It is very scruffy.”
Another resident who moved in just a few days ago said she was disappointed to see the state of the park.
Mum of one Heather Hutchinson, 36, said the playground area was a “big selling factor” for choosing to live in Seaford Avenue. She visited the park with her two-yearold and said: “It is not the greatest. It leaves a lot to be desired. I think it should be more child-friendly and the graffiti is not very pleasant.
“We would rather go to Wollaton Park but this is right on our doorstep so we come here sometimes as well. It is a disappointment.”
Stathis Konstantinidis, a lecturer at University of Nottingham, was riding a bike with his daughter in the park and said: “There is room for improvement for sure. I would not let my child go on her own to this park.
“We sometimes spot rubbish and broken glass and it is not pleasant. It is true that you can find it anywhere, but more could be done to make it more pleasant.”
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Transport and Cleansing Services Councillor Rosemary Healy, said: “We have proposals to carry out improvements at Seaford Avenue Park which include a refurbished play area and a mini children’s bike track. “Local councillors have allocated £10,000 from their area funds to go towards this and we have carried out a consultation. “We are preparing a bid for FCC Communities Foundation funding and if successful we hope we may be able to start carrying out improvements next spring. The timeframe has unfortunately slipped slightly due to Covid-related capacity issues in our parks team.
“In the meantime, we will ensure our teams clean and tidy the park as soon as possible, including removing graffiti and any broken glass.”
It should be more child-friendly - and the graffiti is not very pleasant.
Heather Hutchinson