News / parks
Petition launched to replace climbing frame in ‘little centre of community play’
Residents have launched a petition to replace the climbing frame at a city park after it was removed, following alleged concerns about its “levels of deterioration”.
The petition was launched hours after the climbing frame from Bellevue Road Park in Easton was reportedly “destroyed whilst the children were watching and crying” on Thursday morning.
Launched by Andy Metcalfe-Hull, the petition has already surpassed 500 signatures, with one signatory calling the park “vital to the community”.
Explaining the situation, the petition reads: “The council have confirmed there is no plan or funding to replace it.
“This park, already neglected by the council (overflowing rubbish bins, litter, to name issues on the more pleasant end of the spectrum), has now been further abandoned.”
“Further to the actual decision to remove the climbing frame, the council contractors didn’t even close the park and started angle grinding with sparks flying before the children and parents even had time to leave.
“We urge the Bristol City Council to prioritise the replacement of the climbing frame at Bellevue Road Park. Allocating resources and funding towards new play equipment will restore our park.
Another signatory said she was “shocked” to know there were no plans to replace the climbing frame.
She commented: “I was surprised to see this climbing frame being dismantled with angle grinders and assumed it was being updated, so I’m really shocked to hear there are no plans to replace it.
“This tiny park is always full of little kids and really is a little centre of community play. Now it’s been left derelict, which is really depressing for everyone, especially those of us who live on this road!
“Public spaces of connection and play are really important, not just for kids but the adults too. Bristol council really needs to act on this and replace the playground.”
Birstol24/7 has contacted Bristol City Council for a comment.
Main photo: Andy Metcalfe-Hull
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