Cllrs Craig Allen and Nigel Balding from Birchwood have been pushing hard for action to improve children’s play equipment for the play area behind The Turf and Feather pub in Locking Stumps.
Cllr Allen has been saying that there are a number of things which would help, including cutting back some of the bushes and minor repairs to the surface and equipment. Whilst WBC checks the safety of the equipment monthly, it seems to have stopped cleaning the equipment to remove moss and mildew, as well as repainting when required.
Following a response from WBC, Cllr Allen is now able to report that WBC is working in partnership with Birchwood Town Council to deliver enhancements during this financial year.
Cllr Allen said “Playing outdoors and especially play areas are an essential part in young children's lives when growing up, so it's not a lot to expect for them to be a safe and clean place to play and routinely maintained by WBC.”
Birchwood Councillor Nigel Balding feels that WBC could do more. He says that the answer finally received from WBC goes some way to answering why our children's play parks across Warrington can look less attractive than they should. From a community health perspective, play parks are very important and any savings being made on reduced maintenance are probably false economies.
“It's also interesting to compare and contrast the cleaning regime for Warrington’s play equipment with that for local bus shelters, which are another important part of our community infrastructure. In Birchwood these seem to be cleaned regularly and generally look welcoming. Isn't children's play equipment just as important as bus shelters?”
Nigel said “In the meantime, whilst there is no support from WBC, parish councils might like to consider proactively assessing their local play parks for maintenance annually and ask WBC for quotes for repainting when required. A thorough clean to remove moss, mildew etc. at least once a year would seem sensible.”
“In respect of the play park in Locking Stumps, it is great to learn that WBC is working with BTC to deliver enhancements during this financial year. Many thanks to everyone involved with this. This play park is in a great location and I really look forward to seeing the work completed.”
