20-year wait starts to grate

Published on 26th April 2007 in News

Plans for a play area at Shelford Avenue are set to be discussed by Howden town councillors after a 20-year wait for the facility has proved too long.

Town Mayor Ingrid Ridley told the Goole Times this week that a piece of land on Shelford Avenue was set aside for a play area when houses were built 19 years ago and £6,000 in commuted sums had been allocated for the development. Progress has been slow because there were fears that the money allocated might not be enough to see the completion of the play area.

"We were hoping to get the play area completed this year, but we only have £6,000 allocated at the moment and the quote we have had exceeds this," said Ms Ridley.

"We are hoping it will be a very low-key, small play area for toddlers and a pleasant garden area for the older generation."

At this week's meeting, town councillors agreed to bring plans for the play area before the Town Council at next month's meeting in a bid to progress the proposal. Concerns were expressed about what features the play area would have and how it could be treated once completed.

Speaking at the council meeting, Cllr Hugh Roberts said: "This is not a big play park, it never has been and it never will be. We have never talked about there being big equipment. It's designed to be low-scale, with springy animals for young children and seats for parents or guardians."

Councillors also expressed fears that the play area could be abused as the land is currently being used as a 'dog toilet'.

But Cllr Robin Drury said: "At the moment, it's nothing. It's a bit of land deputising as a dog toilet, so a play area would improve the site.

"If the land is looked after and developed, then people will take ownership of it."