Anti-social behaviour falls at revamped Dalton playground
Last updated at 14:51, Friday, 29 June 2012
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour at a controversial play area has dropped since it was revamped – but funding for flood lighting may still be available, a meeting heard.
Dalton mayor, Councillor Barry Doughty, called the meeting to bring key figures together to discuss the park and multi-use games area (MUGA) next to Dalton Leisure Centre, which opened last June.
Some parents have claimed they often find the £275,000 park in a dangerous condition and littered with broken glass and rubbish while in February, 11-year-old Ryan Fagan had to undergo an operation after he fell on broken beer bottles at the park.
At the meeting, held on Monday at Dalton Town Hall, PCSO John McVea said police have received less than 30 reports relating to the park since May.
PCSO McVea said: “Three or four years ago, it was horrendous on there – more than 100 kids running round Chapel Street and Union Street and the play park.
“If people want to measure today against then, it’s much better now.”
Keith Johnson, Barrow Borough Council community services manager, said the park is cleaned at least four hours a week.
Mr Johnson said: “If you’re one of the people that’s been disturbed, then it’s a real issue for you.
“These things need to be set in context with other areas of the borough and there are areas that are far worse.
“This whole development has added such a lot to Dalton and unfortunately when these incidents do occur, they upset people, and that is correct and understandable. But on balance, it has added far more to Dalton.”
Angela Knowles, borough council rural projects officer, said the initial estimate of £70,000 for flood lighting “was just not possible”, but that was calculated for a larger MUGA which had been planned for behind the leisure centre.
Mr Johnson said floodlighting for the existing MUGA would be around £25,000, and added: “I think we can do that.”
First published at 13:19, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
about time dalton got some money spent on it as most barrow parks are floodlighted
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The Floodlight's Should have been put in place at the Beginning Like it said on the plan's Before the park was Built. This Could have Prevented my Son nearly die,ing due to reckless teen's braking beer bottles on the park, as they can sit in the darkness + not be seen!
Posted by tan on 17 July 2012 at 17:32