Parents frustrated as Whitnash play area shut off

Shut off - the play area at Acre Close park, Whitnash. 33.012.018. leam.nc3

PARENTS in Whitnash have criticised the decision to close the play area at Acre Close park for refurbishments just as the school summer holidays get under way.

Last week we reported how parks across the district were set for a £1.6 million facelift over the next decade thanks to funding from Warwick District Council.

But the Observer was then contacted by disgruntled parents in Whitnash over the closure of their local park, which is part of a £60,000 programme of work organised by a different authority, Whitnash Town Council.

One parent told us: “We've been left very upset and frustrated by the timing of it. Just as the holidays begin, and children are looking for something to do, the park is cordoned off and they have nowhere safe to play. We wonder who made the decision to do it now, and why.”

A spokesperson for Whitnash Town Council said bad weather was partly the reason for delay and added a contractor quote for the cost of the work would have gone out of date had the improvements been postponed until the end of the summer.

They also insisted the scheme had been 18 months in the planning and local residents had been kept fully informed throughout.

Mayor of Whitnash, coun Adrian Barton, added: “The time taken to start the project was due not just to poor weather, but because we took the time and trouble to listen to what park users were telling us, irrespective of the extra work that entailed.

“Whilst the improvements have coincided with the first half of the summer holidays, I am sure park users will enjoy the £67,000 of improvements being carried out for many years to come.”

The council, when asked, could not give a date for when the park would re-open.

Regional news »