Forres father Dave Levon calls for Moray Council to make ageing Mannachie park safe now
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A local father was shocked to see the condition of a local park he had taken his daughter to for the first time in months.
Dave Levon of High Street is calling for ageing play equipment at Mannachie park to be fenced off - or better still replaced ASAP - before a child is injured.
He said: “We very rarely visit that park - it was just a change for my little girl Addie (3).
“I was astonished to find the state that it is in.
“When it first opened, it looked spectacular but the supporting structures have not been treated in some time so all of the wood is decaying.
“This just shows what little respect the authorities have for our children!”
Moray Council allocated £70,000 on improving the play area last year.
A steering group is now working with the community to raise more funding.
Meanwhile, the current equipment is falling apart.
A council spokesperson confirmed it is made from stainless steel, treated wood and rigid plastics.
She said: “Re-painting has not been undertaken for some time.
“Component parts have been replaced over its lifespan and the redevelopment project will see new equipment installed.
“Play areas are inspected monthly.
“An additional site visit was carried out on February 20 when edges, runway cable and platforms (from the zipline) were removed in readiness for the uprights to be removed.”
The park’s zipline, a firm favourite of children in the area, has been out of action for five years.
The spokesperson claimed delivery of the council’s 2019/20 capital programme for play area renewal, which included the Mannachie play area, was delayed as a consequence of the pandemic.
She added: “Community engagement on the Mannachie Park masterplan took place last year and we’re currently collating and reviewing the results of consultation exercises carried out with pupils across primary schools in Forres.
“This will determine the items of equipment prioritised in the tender documentation.
“Delivery of the project is planned within the 2023/24 financial year.”
However, Dave believes more needs to be done now.
He said: “It was one of the best playgrounds when it first opened. Do the council expect the public to maintain it? The park needs to be fenced off to keep children safe. Surely some of the £70,000 available for the upgrade could repair and replenish the park, and bring it back to its former glory sooner.”
The council spokesperson replied: “Damaged equipment is disabled and/or removed to keep the play park safe for use.”
Previous zipline story: https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/popular-play-park-to-be-upgraded-234583/
Moray Council’s plans: https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/plans-revealed-for-mannachie-park-293305/
