Vandalism forces closure of play area at Broad Oak

Persistent vandalism has forced Bury Council to close the play area at Broad Oak Lane, off Rochdale Old Road, in Bury. 

Much of the play equipment at the site has already been put out of action.  Removal of the framework of the play area along with safety fencing and surfacing will follow during this month. From December onwards only the separate multi-use games area will remain at this site. 

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “In the last 12 months alone it has cost more than £20,000 to repair damage to play areas caused by vandalism.  

“It is regrettable that we have had to take this course of action at Broad Oak but we have had no end of problems there and this type of repeated abuse means that maintaining the play area is no longer a viable option.” 

During September, 93 residents in the Broad Oak area sent a petition to the council asking for the play area to be closed. 

Cllr Lewis added: “The sad truth is that this closure is the direct cost of mindless vandalism which residents living close by shouldn’t have to put up with.”

The nearest alternative play area is located at HoylesPark. For a full list of play facilities in the borough of Bury visit the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/playfacilities

ENDS

Press release issued: 14 November 2012.

Picture attached: At the play area are Cllr Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, with Tom Buggie, parks and countryside facilities manager.