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What's wrong with leaving it as green space in town?
SKDC have made it clear that the proposed play park for the children of the Manthorpe estate and St Wulfram's Ward is to be located at the far end of Queen Elizabeth Park, a mere 300 metres from one on Princess Drive.
SKDC have made it clear that the proposed play park for the children of the Manthorpe estate and St Wulfram's Ward is to be located at the far end of Queen Elizabeth Park, a mere 300 metres from one on Princess Drive.SKDC need to explain why the 'Local Plan' for the development of Grantham by Planning Control from the 1970s to the present day has failed to include and secure adequate recreation areas on the Manthorpe estate whilst it was being developed. Indeed SKDC could have sought the help of the Lincolnshire or National Playing Fields Association or even used the 1981 Acquisition of Land Act to make a compulsory purchase of suitable recreational space for the children of this estate.
In placing this play area for 8-13-year-old children in a remote location within the park, a mere 30 metres from the dangers of the River Witham, and where a major 'A' road has be negotiated to get to it, doesn't make sense. Emergency access to this part of the park isn't viable and as the equipment is to be 'challenging' to the age group surely this would be essential? Would parents really walk (or let children go on their own) from the far end of Manthorpe estate to the park?
The current park warden already has his work cut out policing Wyndham Park, so how will another play area be monitored? What will happen in the holidays, evenings and at night? Will the area become a 'no go zone' full of teenagers, destroying the equipment, breaking bottles and generally making life unbearable for local residents as they have in Wyndham Park? I use Queen Elizabeth Park daily and have yet to see a warden or police patrol walking from one end to another, indeed the police do not even hold keys to the access gate by Belton Lane.
The current LEAP (locally equipped area for play) in Wyndham Park for this age group has been sadly neglected for many years. Why not up-date some of this equipment which will get more use? At least there are toilets and a warden close to hand for most of the year. What is wrong with having a bit of undeveloped 'quiet, wild green space' in the middle of Grantham, where families can enjoy the peace and solitude of a walk by the river or ponds, without it being considered 'under used' and without needing to fill every available green space with play equipment? This part of Grantham is one of it's best assets.
SKDC need to stop short changing the children of the Manthorpe estate and build a play park where it will get most use by the very children it is intended for.
M. Stewart
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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