Parents renew their park action pleas

The play park has become run-down with some people claiming it is due to a lack of up-keep while others have blamed vandalism for the state the park has been left in.

Niall Parfitt said: “It’s an eyesore and extremely dangerous for children.”

He also explained how this “eyesore” could be putting people off from spending their money in the town centre.

He said: “This is a prime location, right in the centre of the town and close to shops. I would be more inclined to ‘pop in’ to the butchers or have a coffee if I’m in the park.

“Now, I’ll just go to somewhere like Wallace Park, Dromore Park and the local businesses can get my custom there. Or the council can spend the money on the refurbishments, make it a more inviting space for families, and keep custom in Banbridge. You have to speculate to accumulate.”

Vivienne Corbett thinks Wallace Park in Lisburn is an example to follow.

She said: “People would be ashamed to bring their children into the play park in Banbridge. Its very dirty looking and been vandalised. Its not like the best kept park in Lisburn, Wallace park.

Many have blamed the park’s problems on vandalism.

Debby Johnston Clyde said: “It’s a continuous battle but as you can see in one of these photos this equipment didn’t just break. The tunnels were set on fire.

“This happened at the beginning of the year as well and fair play to the council they replaced them, but then shortly after the replacement the same thing happened again. How many times are they supposed to replace them?”

In response, a council statement said: “Upgrade to Solitude Play Park is scheduled to commence in late 2015 / early 2016 subject to the appointment of a works contractor which is currently out to tender.

“The design contractor has already been appointed. Works will include a major refurbishment and upgrade of play equipment.”