Shropshire Star

Play area in Stirchley saved after successful campaign

There were cheers from residents when councillors voted unanimously to take over an at risk play area.

Published
Telford & Wrekin Council

Two children chanted "we saved our park" as they left the meeting, a happy ending to a campaign to save Beckbury Park, in Beckbury Drive, Stirchley.

It was one of 13 across the borough to be at risk of removal, with Telford & Wrekin Council saying that the move would save around £20,000.

But the campaign from residents, which included a petition and the offer to care for the play area themselves, has been successful, with Stirchley and Brookside Parish Council agreeing to take on the park.

Speaking in defence of the park, residents said that the potential closure had brought the community closer together and given them the chance to get to know their neighbours better.

They hope that the continued care of the park will help them stay closer.

Without a park, they said, the space would be left to fly-tippers as a place to dump rubbish. The park keeps children off the streets and gives them a place to go, they added.

Councillor Shana Roberts, of the Stirchley ward, said: "In this day and age that sense of community is rare.

"It's important to listen to people saying they want this and that their children want this. This is an important partnership for all elements of the council."

The residents have been advised to start a Friends of Beckbury Park group, who will be responsible for keeping it neat and tidy.

The parish council will then carry out official checks and paint it.

To help aid with the costs of running it, they will receive £4,000 from Telford & Wrekin Council over the next three years.

Other play areas facing the axe include parks situated in Berberis Road, Leegomery; Cornbrook, Stirchley; Boulton Grange, Brandsfarm Way and Dodmoor Grange in Randlay; Doddington and Dudmaston in Hollinswood; Smallwood, Sutton Hill and Gravelly Drive, Newport.

Another in Wrekin Avenue, Newport is also at risk but talks are ongoing on the future of the site.

The closures were part of the council's plans to save £30 million over two years.

A letter has been sent to residents by Telford & Wrekin Council outlining plans. Signed by environmental locality officer Adrian Corney, it states that the borough is well served by play areas and those left after the closure will offer "better play value".

Councillor John Minor, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for leisure, green space and parks, said "tough decisions" had to be made due to cuts in government funding to the council.