A dad would 'love' a play park on his doorstep for his children, including his disabled daughter, as he disputes it would be taken over by antisocial teenagers.
Steven Taylor of Montreal Close in Lower Wick in Worcester lives next to The Green in Lower Wick in Worcester where a play park could be built after a gap in provision was identified.
The 31-year-old father-of-three disagrees with Cllr Alan Amos that a play park would attract anti-social behaviour, disturbing residents and creating parking problems.
He also argues many of the older people who live near The Green (mentioned by Cllr Amos) have grandchildren who would enjoy it.
Cllr Amos said The Green was 'sacrosanct' and was 'furious' that the land would even be considered as a home for a new play park as it would be taken over by older teenagers, creating a disturbance for older people who live off The Green.
In contrast, Mr Taylor strongly disagrees and would like to see swings, slides and climbing apparatus for his three children aged 20 months, four years old and seven years as well as other families on the estate.
Mr Taylor, who has lived in the ward for the last 13 years, said the park would be especially helpful to his seven-year-old daughter who suffers from muscular dystrophy and 'struggles to walk long distances'.
He said their nearest play park is Weir Lane Play Area and does not have a problem with antisocial behaviour.
"I would love to see a park for the children and I totally disagree it would cause antisocial behaviour," he said.
Mr Taylor said he would register his support for the play park if there was a public consultation.
The vehicle technician also disagreed with Cllr Amos that there was not the demand for a play park.
"There's a lot of families around there. It's not just older people," he said.
RECOMMENDED READING: The Green in Lower Wick: 'no thanks to play park' says Amos
RECOMMENDED READING: Tunnel Hill play equipment removed for 'safety reasons'
He added: "In terms of Amos talking about antisocial behaviour, I'd like to remind him that it is currently mostly grown adults committing antisocial behaviour around the UK with the riots."
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “A report on children’s play facilities in Worcester was taken to the council’s Place and Economic Development Committee last month, and it identified the Lower Wick & Pitmaston and Claines wards as the two areas in the city that currently have a gap in play facilities.
"The report proposed new play areas at several potential sites in Worcester, and we will be consulting with local residents before any final decisions are made.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel