Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh is calling for repairs to be made to a play park in Newstead she described as “abandoned, dirty and dangerous”
The MP called for urgent improvements following a visit to the park on Tilford Road.
Invited by Parish Councillors and the Parish Clerk, the MP was shown the shocking state of the park – describing it as “abandoned, dirty and dangerous” – and called for immediate intervention from Gedling Borough Council.
She said the visit had revealed the full extent of the park’s decline, with unsafe and unsanitary conditions rendering the area unfit for children and families.
The MP said the park had been left in a disgraceful state of neglect.
She said: “This is simply unacceptable,”
“I was absolutely outraged to see how this park has been left.
“Local families deserve better – the children of Newstead Village deserve a safe, clean place to play. It is appalling that Gedling Borough Council has allowed it to reach this condition.”
The MP praised the dedication of the Parish Councillors, who have consistently advocated for the area and shown clear care and commitment to the community.
The MP added: “The Parish Council is doing everything they can, but they need support and action from Gedling Borough Council. This issue cannot be ignored any longer,”
Welsh said she has formally contacted Gedling Borough Council demanding urgent remedial work be carried out.
Vikki Arkell, Newstead Parish Council Clerk and RFO, said: “The condition of the park is unacceptable, and we are not standing by. We are fighting for what the community deserves, for a park that is safe, clean, and full of life.”
Emma Astill, Chair of Newstead Parish Council, added: “Newstead Playground has been left to deteriorate for years, while other parks have seen improvements.
“Despite strong support from our Local and County Councillors, our community feels abandoned by Gedling Borough Council.
“The park is now in such poor condition that it has become unusable, posing serious safety risks to children.”
Gedling Borough Council said that refurbishing the park was one of their ‘highest priorities’ when it came to seeking investment,
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “Gedling Borough Council responded to a letter from the Member of Parliament for Sherwood on the same day it was received in early July.
“We are working closely with the Parish Council to submit a funding bid to FCC Communities. If successful, this would secure around £100,000 to refurbish the park within the next 12 months.
“However, the land is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council, and we do not currently hold the lease for the site. We have been waiting for 12 months for the County Council to renew the lease, and unfortunately, we cannot submit a funding bid until this is resolved.
“Over the past five years, Gedling Borough Council has supported several Friends of groups to secure more than £800,000 in external funding to improve parks across the borough. We remain committed to supporting local groups in accessing this vital funding, with Tilford Road Park among our top priorities.
He added: “Since 2010, the Council has experienced a 61% reduction in central government funding, which has significantly impacted essential services, including the maintenanceand management of parks and open spaces. Despite these challenges, we continue to call for a fairer funding settlement and greater investment to help us deliver the services our residents deserve.
“We are proud of the partnerships we’ve built with local communities and will continue to work together to improve our parks and public spaces.”
Waist of time concentrate on ARnold parks as its our capital our London and has tourists to impress
alright for carlton,netherfield,porchester but nothing again for newstead village outpost again,please try harder for them.