Free Swimming STAYS in Wirral!

Last night, Wirral’s Conservative led Council voted to keep free swimming in Wirral.  As well as keeping it for the over 60s (all year round) and the under 18s (during school holidays), the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Cabinet has also agreed to provide free swimming for children in care AND their carers and also to Wirral residents who are serving in the Armed Forces or are veterans.    Sadly, the same can’t be said of Labour-run Liverpool.  In a couple of days their free swimming ends. 

This is part of our plan to correct the mistakes of the previous administration who wanted to close leisure centres across Wirral.  We’ll be writing to many of the groups who will benefit from last night’s decision and I know many colleagues are writing directly to residents as well.

Linear Park Play Area to Close for Safety Reasons

Yesterday I reported on the unsafe and unsatisfactory condition of the Linear Park Play Area in Moreton.   Following an email to the Council from one of my constituents and a supporting one from me, the Council has, in an email to me and my constituent today, said they will close the play area whilst repairs are effected.   Sounds great, until of course you read that because of funding difficulties two of the major pieces of play equipment will not be replaced when Linear Park Play Area reopens.    You can read the Email from the Council below.  

I have made it clear in my response to the Council, that whilst I am delighted the Council is taking action to protect children from harm, they have  a responsibility and a duty to make sure all the existing equipment is made safe and or replaced ann anything less than that will be unacceptable.  What do you think?   Post your comments on this article.

Council’s email response below:

Dear Mr XXXXXX,

Following an inspection of the play area we are currently taking it out of use. The gate will be locked closed the swings removed and the play equipment immobilised. Appropriate signage will also be erected advising that the play area is out of use.

Within the next few weeks we will remove the large combination unit and  subject to further inspection may also remove the seesaw.  The safety surfacing around the climbing frame and the swings will repaired/replaced using a combination of new tiles and tiles from around other items on the site which are now going to be removed or have been removed in the past. Where safety surfacing is removed and there is no play equipment the areas will be surfaced as a temporary measure until the items of play equipment can be replaced. Before the play area is reopened the gate and seats will be repaired.

Unfortunately when the play area is reopened again two of the main items of play equipment will be missing. The cost of replacing these items and the safety surfacing would be in the region of £30,000 to £35,000 and we do not have the funding to provide these at present. We will however be looking to replace the equipment and or refurbish the play area as soon as possible dependant on funding.

Thank you for your interest and concern about the play area and for contacting us.    If you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to ring me on 666 4701.

Regards

Roger Calvert

Principal Officer Parks and Countryside