STRETFORD residents have expressed their outrage at what they claim is the lack of work carried out in renovating Gorse Hill Park's play area, writes Helen Heath.

Trafford Council revealed plans to improve the park by installing four new pieces of play equipment and repairing other existing items. Some popular equipment has been removed and only one new item installed.

Residents say they were not consulted about the plans, and have complained about the safety of children using the park due to a lack of signage to make it clear that some equipment is unsuitable for younger children.

They say the park also requires higher levels of maintenance to clear up litter and broken glass, and children also now have much less space to play in with much of the area overtaken by weeds and mud.

But the One Trafford Partnership has defended the work, which it says is ongoing and will soon be completed.

Resident and frequent visitor to the park, Adria Smiley said: "The big kids' playground used to have eight items of play equipment, three have been moved into the small kids' playground, the rest have been destroyed. Only one new piece has been added, even though four were shown in the plans and there is no longer anywhere for the kids to climb.

"Plus there is no gate into the playground anymore, it is completely open. The witches hat was removed which was probably the best piece of kit in the park, and there is no information about how to contact the council regarding the changes, no date of start or completion.

"We and many other residents would like the promised playground equipment to be installed and more space for the children to play, preferably closed in with a gate and the same amount of space as before. The signage needs updating, as at the moment it looks like all the equipment is for younger kids, which is extremely misleading and potentially dangerous. We'd also like to see more maintenance of the park in general, particularly after match days when the litter is overflowing."

A meeting was held with Stretford residents by ward councillor Laurence Walsh to address their concerns. He said: "Having listened to the views of residents, I share many of the concerns they expressed. At the meeting the three Ward Councillors, myself, David Acton and Mike Cordingley agreed to support and work with residents and users of the park to try to resolve the problems they raised.

"Clearly when the council removes and replaces park equipment the residents and users should be given a strong voice in the determination of that equipment. We are working with the residents to ensure this happens now and in the future."

A spokesperson for the One Trafford Partnership said: “The One Trafford Partnership is committed to making sure our younger residents have the best possible opportunities to play outside. Modernising the play area in Gorse Hill Park helps us achieve this, and also plays a key part in generally improving health and wellbeing, a key objective of the partnership.

"The play equipment at Gorse Hill Park had reached the end of its life and needed to be removed and upgraded.

"In phase one, a new Spiro Whirl has been added, new safety surfacing installed and three existing pieces painted and reused – the slide, flat swings and basket swing. An Easy-gate to secure the play area and signage has been ordered and will be installed shortly.

"Phase two will add a climbing ‘space ball’ as well as improve the toddler play area. Budget for this has been allocated for 2018 and we are also working with the Friends group to develop a funding bid for additional funding to improve the play area further.

"Anyone who sees broken or damaged play equipment can report it to us on 03330 035 865.”