The children's play area at The Carrs is currently undergoing a £75,000 revamp.
We were contacted by a number of parents who were surprised to find that the playground was closed yesterday and the equipment was being crushed ready for removal.
This is part of a three week programme which is being managed by Cheshire East Council and will see the old equipment, much of which is nearly 20 years old, being replaced.
Marianne Hodgkinson, Parks Management Officer at Cheshire East Council, explained "This project has been in the pipe line for some time and is very much needed to maintain the high standard of play area we would like to see throughout out parks in Cheshire East.
The money for this project has come from local Section 106 development money specifically for play enhancements and provision in The Carrs in line with the legal agreement. The budget for the project is £75k presently, this can alter as we made need to provide additional seating and signage."
The removal of the old equipment is expected to be complete today, Tuesday 8th July, and it is hoped that the new equipment (including swings, slides, climbing frames, balance trail/assault course and roundabouts) will be delivered on site early next week, with the installation scheduled for next week.
Marianne added "There is an exciting range of new equipment to be installed that will cater for all ages and abilities. The Carrs is a park that we are all so proud of and whilst there is never the perfect time to close the play area for works we will see it re-opening in time for the main school summer holiday period. Had we not proceeded this week we would have had to wait until November time and then it would have been dependant on weather conditions."
"The visual (above) whilst showing the equipment and general layout may reflect some changes in the real life project as of course it is an artistic impression, however I am sure everyone will be delighted with the new equipment and improvements whilst the site will still retain its welcoming atmosphere and great reputation of a lovely park to visit for our community and visitors to Cheshire East Council."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Could there have been a worse time to start this work?
You couldn't make it up.
One off the problems with the park is the lack of bases, it turns into a marsh with rain and many rides are unusable in unless it is summer. This plan won't solve this.
Why didn't the council ask parents and children what they wanted rather than picking the summer to close the park for weeks without notice. Cheshire East treating everyone like children and failing to manage the site.
If it were not for this website the council would not have bothered to explain themselves at all.