Disgust as 10 year-old is injured by broken glass at play park

Cathy McNicholl from the Roseden Park area of Limavady has called for a reassessment of the Wises Lane play area after her daughter sliced her finger on a piece of broken glass. The young mum took her three children to the play area on Sunday morning only to find the entire area strewn with broken drink bottles and litter. The family had left the park after Cathy's eldest daughter injured herself on the play frame, where more broken glass had been strewn.

The young mum told the Sentinel: "The play frame itself was just completely covered in broken beer bottles and discarded blue bags from carryouts everywhere. My daughter cut her finger on the broken glass and although very sore was fortunately not in need of stitching."

"I dread to think what could've happened if i hadn't been supervising them. Now my concern is that what if this had have happened to another child who could have been more badly injured?"

The young mum says she has contacted the Technical Services Department of the council to voice her concerns but said more measures were needed to improve the play area.

Cathy added: "It seems to me that everyone seems to be fussing over the safety and security of other play areas of the town and this one seems to be very poorly maintained and neglected. The only time I seem to see anyone in the grounds is when they are getting it set up for the fireworks at Halloween.

"Something needs to be done about this situation before someone has to put in a claim for an injury against the council, or worse."

"I have been put off from returning to the play park. Even in the grass area beside the park there were broken bottles sticking out of the ground. How can any child play safely there?"

DUP Alderman George Robinson condemned the play park's conditions.

"I have flagged up concerns before regarding the use of motorbikes and quads in the area and proposed that a gate could be put in place to deter that activity.

"It is sad that parents are now going to find a play area such as this one covered in broken glass. It is dangerous and unsuitable for children. I would ask anyone who sees any such activity taking place to get in contact immediately with the council or the police to help stop this from happening."

Speaking on the issues raised by Ms McNicholl, a spokeswoman for Limavady Borough Council told the Sentinel that the play park in question was cleared by Technical Services staff of an "extensive amount" of broken glass and litter on Monday morning. The spokeswoman added that the park was regularly "cleaned and attended" by council staff and enquiries with local people on Monday morning led them to believe that an incident had taken place on Saturday night at the play area.