Call for increased inspections after blood spilt at local play park
Child safety concerns over blood spilt at a local play-park have been raised amid calls for a council step up its inspections.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City elected members have been “critical” of the lack of upkeep at the children’s recreation grounds, but credit has been given following an urgent medical safety situation in Carryduff. The Council’s recent communities and wellbeing committee has been reassured that play-park inspectors are on regular patrol to check the facilities in the district.
Councillor Brian Higginson said: ”I just want to thank the director and her team that on Easter Tuesday, there was a report from a constituent that blood had been spilt on the slide and around the park at Carryduff.
“A quick call was able to get it cleaned up so people could use the park again, so thanks for the quick response.” According to its website, the local authority has just over 50 play-parks described as being in the “heart of our community”. Councillor Jonathan Craig added: "I have certainly noted a number of play parks that have run down and look run down.
“It wouldn’t necessarily require a lot of work to improve them, which leads me to question why do we not have some form of regular checking that would have highlighted all of this and maintenance done.
“There also seems to be the forgotten park, beside the Derriaghy football club.
“There is some good work being done in other parks, but I have noticed things like the bike track getting into a state of disrepair.” Councillor Gary Hynds commented: “I don’t like to be over critical of our staff, as I think in general they do a good job. “But, I do question some to the checks in the parks such as Riverbank and Huguenot parks and I could bring others to your attention.”
The chamber heard that some recent clean ups of district play parks had now been carried out by the council.
A council officer responded: “We do have a regular scheme of work being done alongside our assets colleagues.
“We also have playground inspectors who check the parks.
“We also look to prioritise work that needs done, but if there is something that needs done, do please let us know.”