Families are furious as the council strips the grounds of all play equipment without warning

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has removed the swings and climbing frame from Bridgett Pool, Trent Vale, after claiming the equipment was not up to standard

Families are furious after a council stripped a pitch of all play equipment without warning.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has removed the swings and climbing frame from Bridgett Pool, Trent Vale, after claiming the equipment was not up to standard.

But the parents have denounced the removal of the equipment and say they want it back.

Some spoke to Stoke-on-Trent live about how children have played there for decades and how the playground has become crucial for young people during the Covid pandemic.

Instead, families are told to use newer play equipment on nearby Mace Street.

Equipment at Bridgett Pool, also known as Beaver Close Park, was removed on Tuesday, May 17.

Staff nurse Evie Mamali, 36, said: “There was a play area there and they came on Tuesday and started putting out the swings and stuff. The workers said it was antisocial behavior and things like that.

“I mentioned how important it was for people with young children and how annoyed we were. They said it was a health and safety issue and they would come back to me with more information. information, but they haven’t told us yet.

“The playground is really, really important – and in this area it’s the only one. The local kids come here and during the pandemic it has made the kids really happy.

“My boys were really shocked to see the swings coming. It’s been many, many years. It needed an update and we thought they were going to replace the swings. But the most important thing is that they didn’t give us haven’t said. We think it’s a great place for a playground.”

Neighbor June Bushin says the council showed up in three vehicles to remove the equipment.

The 78-year-old said: “They just said they came to take the park away because they had been antisocial. Our kids played there. It’s a shame.”

Barbara Nihill’s children once played on the playground – and her grandchildren used it.

The 67-year-old said: “It’s shameful. The children played there and then the council removed it – and the little ones are stuck in the back garden. It’s the children who are suffering. The council should be ashamed of themselves.”

Rachel Hughes, 49, said: “We’ve been here 15 years and my daughter has been playing here since she was one. It’s just a shame.”

The council defended its decision. He also praised his playgrounds at Mace Street and Central Forest Park.

Councilor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: ‘We have found that some play equipment in Bridgett Pool play area is not to the standards that we would accept in our play areas, we have therefore decided to withdraw them. New and improved facilities are available a short distance away at Mace Street.

“The renovation of Central Forest Park is complete and looking great and work on Westport Lake Playground is also about to begin – meaning we will have stunning new facilities at both sites. The lawsuit The replacement of surfaces and any rotting equipment continues through the summer and fall and will see many play areas upgraded.