All the works mean no play at the park (From Warrington Guardian)

All the works mean no play at the park

A MOTHER-of-two has complained about the 'ridiculous' decision to close the children's playground at Victoria Park during the summer holidays.

The playground situated next to the skate park in Latchford has been closed so work can be carried out on a £40,000 development, which will see a new play zone installed.

Nicola Burgess, from Riverside Close, Howley was dismayed to find that the playground was closed when she visited the park with her children Liam, aged eight, and Josh, aged three.

She said she was in favour of a new play area but could not understand why work had started during the holidays.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when we found it was shut during a holiday, it's the main park in Warrington.

"There were other families with kids who had to go home too, I think it's ridiculous.

"Why couldn't this work be carried out five weeks prior or after the holiday?"

Funded by environmental body WREN, the development will also see part of the nearby pavilion converted into a shop and caf.

David Stamp, head of parks and green services at the borough council, said: "The old equipment is currently closed off because it will be removed and replaced to make way for a much larger play zone project, with a wide range of new and exciting play facilities and attractions for all youngsters in the area to enjoy for years to come.

"We understand that the timing of these works does unfortunately take place over some of the school holidays, but we have had the new equipment designed, built and delivered as quickly as possible so that youngsters around the area have some benefit from the new equipment this year while the summer is still here."