Words: John Baron
A new group to champion and improve neglected Western Flatts Park in Wortley has been formed at a public meeting.
Local residents met on Saturday at Lower Wortley Community Centre to form a committee to help lead the group.
Ideas discussed at the meeting included regular community litter picks and club planting. The group would also lobby for better ongoing maintenance from Leeds City Council, as well as investment from the local authority and other funders.
Longer term ideas include using money given to the council from local housing developments – called section 106 money – to rebuild and possibly relocate the playground.
Earlier this year saw over 1,000 people sign an online petition calling on Leeds City Council to renovate the run-down play area.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Ann Forsaith (Green, Farnley & Wortley), who said:
“I am really pleased that there is so much interest here. When I was elected in 2019 I knew there had been a Friends of Western Flatts Park Group and thought it would be good to rebuild it.
“This group could have significant input into the running and development of the park moving forward.”
Other ideas shared at the meeting included better use of the Rose Garden.
There were long-term suggestions about making Western Flatts a ‘destination’ park, where independent businesses could come and set up stalls for farmers’ market-style events.
One local resident said:
“This should be a body pushing the council for funding so we get our fair share as we are not getting it at present.”
The Friends’ group also has a Facebook page, where people can find more information.