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29 January 2020
Vol 27 l Issue 5
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‘TREAT PLAY AREAS WITH RESPECT’
Council issues appeal to public after vandal attack forces popular park to be closed for months
Princess Anne receiving a posy from Hattie, the daughter of one of the coaches on the Changing Lives through Horses scheme at Parbold Equestrian Centre.
Charity plays host to Royal visitor A WEST Lancashire-based charity played host to a very special visitor when the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, went along to Parbold Equestrian Centre to meet young people enrolled on the Changing Lives through Horses (CLtH) scheme. The scheme is a partnership between the British Horse Society, of which the princess is a vice-patron, and the RSPCA. During her time at the centre in Bradshaw Lane the royal visitor met with representatives of all the organisations involved, as well as the young people taking part in the course, Pupils from local schools were also in attendance and the VIP guest was treated to a performance of song and dance. Princess Anne had been due to visit the centre this time last year but the event had to be cancelled at the last minute as a result of adverse weather conditions. Changing Lives through Horses aims to re-inspire a desire to learn in people aged between 10 and 24 Continued on Page 10
Report by Henry James BOROUGH council officials are urging residents to treat the town’s children’s play areas “with respect” after vandalism forced the authority to close one play park for months because of safety concerns. Equipment at the Firbeck park was targeted by vandals before Christmas and the popular play area is not expected to open again until early spring because of the extent of the damage. A spokesman for West Lancashire Borough Council commented: “On this occasion we had to undertake a thorough investigation, which included an independent assessment to identify any structural or health and safety issues and remedial work required before the facility would be fit for use again. “Children’s safety must be the most important consideration in situations such as this. “The good news is plans are now in place for the necessary work to be carried out and we are aiming for the facility to be fully operational again in early spring subject to weather conditions. “Anyone who vandalises a play area so it can't be used is depriving local children of their enjoyment to play and socialise, as well as causing extra expense to the council and the council
The play park at Firbeck which is currently locked and out of use following vandalism.
taxpayer. Therefore we would appeal to everyone to treat all play areas with respect and encourage people to report acts of vandalism to the police.” The Champion was contacted by a resident, who wished to remain anonymous, who was critical of the time the park had been closed. They wrote: “I am writing to express my utter disbelief that after a number of months the park at the bottom of Firbeck is still out of use after vandals set fire to some of the equipment. “When a similar incident occurred last year at Coronation Park, Sandy Lane, Skelmersdale the equipment was replaced within a week. Why not now? “I already struggle to take my children to a
park within walking distance that isn't overrun with broken glass, litter or young people with nowhere else to go. How is it Old Skem gets gold star treatment but we have to suffer?” The council spokesman added: “The council recognises that play areas are important facilities for our communities and works hard to ensure all the authority's play areas across the borough are in good and safe condition for children to enjoy. “The severity and extent of the damage at Firbeck was much greater here than at Stanley Coronation Park, where one piece of equipment was damaged and we were able to replace it within a couple of weeks due to the availability of the item.”
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