Children shut out of play park

The children’s play area in Lurgan Park was closed last Tuesday due to heavy snowfall and remained closed until Wednesday lunchtime after an inspection deemed conditions to be icy under foot.

Lindsay McWilliams, who takes her one-year-old son Ross to the play park in Lurgan Park at least three times a week, said: “I can understand the gates were locked on Tuesday, but the sun was shining on Wednesday and conditions were perfect.

“To get my son dressed to go out, pack a bag, then get him into the car and drive into Lurgan takes a while.

“To find the play park shut when you get there is very disappointing. You try explaining to a one year old that he isn’t allowed on the swings.

“I spoke to someone who worked in the park and they told me they didn’t know why it was shut.”

Lindsay added: “It’s not the first time the play park has been closed. Two weeks ago the same sign was up and we had to turn around and go home again.

“Living in Waringstown, Lurgan Park is the nearest play park I can take Ross to. It’s a good play park but I’ve seriously considered taking him to Moira after being shut out.”

A council spokesperson said the play park was closed on Tuesday because of the snow.

The spokesperson added: “On Wednesday morning an inspection was carried out at 8.30am. The play park was kept closed because it was deemed icy under foot.

“A second inspection was carried out at 1.15pm at which point the play park was reopened.

“Play park inspections are part of a daily routine in Lurgan Park.”