By John Baron
A group of volunteers have helped secure better maintenance at Western Flatts Cliff Park Park in Wortley, following concerns over the unsafe condition of its playground.
The Friends of Western Flatts Cliff Park group has raised issues with slippy moss and leaves at the playground, which is surrounded by tall trees – and had called for action from Leeds City Council.
Neil Bonnington, from the Friends, said the group has been in constant discussion with the parks department about the poor state of the surface and its unsafe nature. He said: “Our local parks manager has been on site and they have advised me they will be on site tomorrow to jet wash the surface and brush with a machine. They also advise they are going to change the gate so they can get a sweeper in on a regular basis.”
The run-down play park could be set for a move away from its current location, which many deem unsuitable.
Section 106 money has been secured from housing developers by the council to revamp the play area, although a recent £20 million levelling up bid to government to revamp five West Leeds parks – including Western Flatts – proved unsuccessful.
“I have also asked for our group to be put in contact with the project team responsible for the playground development so we can work with them as representatives of the community on moving the project forward as soon as possible,” Mr Bonnington said this week.
“Our intent is to hold a meeting with them to determine the various options of the playground location and what’s possible with the more limited funding that is available.
“We need to firm up the location, if it’s practical to move it, so we are looking through the various surveys we have seen and once we have consulted with the project team we will come back to all to consult further with you.
“We appreciate we are going to have differing views so I ask for your patience a little longer until we are in a position to communicate further.”
The Friends group will be holding its AGM and a general meeting at a date to be confirmed in April. More information on the Friends’ Facebook group.
