'Bored' teens - 'why does Warndon have so few play parks?'

Cllr Jill Desayrah believes Warndon is less well served when it comes to outdoor children's play areas than neighbouring Warndon Villages - and she is eager for people to have their say.

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Warndon Villages has several play sites including Tattersall, Great Oaty Gardens, Pirie Avenue, Trotshill Lane East, Debdale Avenue, Caister Avenue, Sudely Avenue, Bodiam Close and Threshfield Drive.

However, Warndon has far fewer to choose from, as an interactive map illustrates with the Warndon Community Play Centre site near Shap Drive being one and Turner's Close another.

Play areas in Worcester marked in red showing far fewer in Warndon than neighbouring Warndon Villages (Image: Worcester City Council)

The Labour councillor is now asking for more residents from Warndon to respond to the ongoing consultation before it closes next month.

Worcester City Council has launched a strategic play area survey and is urging residents to find out which areas are popular and also whether there are areas of the city where people would like to see better space for play or socialising.

Councillor Matthew Lamb, Worcester City Council’s Children and Young People’s Champion, said: “This survey isn’t just about playgrounds.

"Playing and meeting up with friends can mean different things depending on your age and what you like doing.

"If it’s outdoors, it’s for fun and it’s your choice, then it counts.”

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Cllr Desayrah, a Labour city councillor, said: "The city-wide green space survey is ongoing and given that Warndon has so lacking in play spaces I would ask residents to please get involved and respond.

"There used to be three sites but these all fell into various states of dereliction and were decommissioned years ago.

"Attractive landscaped areas and children's play parks are popular, and increasingly people are asking for facilities for the older generation such as allotments and benches.

"Rewilding and adventure parks could be considered. Outside gyms and shelters for the young to meet are also in the mix.

"Doorstep conversations showed almost no awareness of the consultation, but when I spoke to residents they were keen talk about it and to participate.

"Three main themes have emerged; Firstly the need for secure leisure spaces for children and young people cannot be overstated.

"12-18-year-olds in particular have nothing available in the ward.

"This leads to boredom and sometimes mischief - why not scale the library roof if it’s there and there's nothing else to do?

"Secondly, whatever play provision is imagined must include security. There is no point in regeneration only to have it turn to disrepair.

"Thirdly there is a general desire to have play areas created, but “not opposite my house”. Fear and resistance must be tackled through viable solutions.

"Right now we have the opportunity to make our views known on this important topic. Warndon residents should have their voices heard."

People can use an interactive map of Worcester to make their views known - go to www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.

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