Costessey park may have play equipment replaced by council

Climbing frames, slides and swings were removed from Middleton Crescent park in Costessey earlier this week by developer Saffron Housing, which said it lacked the funds to fix them after a spate of vandalism last year. 

The move was branded as "nonsense" by a senior councillor, who demanded something be done to retain the community resource.

The climbing frames and play equipment were removed from Middleton Crescent park earlier this week (Image: Gem Shearing)

But workers arrived at the park on Tuesday to fence off the grass and haul away the equipment, leaving locals at a loss.

Gem Shearing, who lives just two minutes from the park, said she now has to walk more than 15 minutes to reach another recreation ground. 

"It's a massive shame to see this park having been closed for more than a year and now being removed," she said.

"We loved going to the little park with our daughter and friends because it was so close to our front door but now we've been forced to go much further to get to a playground."

Locals have expressed disappointment at the loss of the community asset (Image: Gem Shearing)

Having previously expressed his dismay, district councillor Gary Blundell said: "It is disheartening to witness the removal of the play park which has been in place for more than 40 years and used by numerous families.

"Residents now have concerns that this will open this piece of land up for housing applications. 

"Has Costessey now lost this area for good or is Saffron willing to listen to residents and work on a route for funding to be made available?"

Councillor Gary Blundell previously said the decision to remove the play equipment was nonsense (Image: Newsquest)

And there is hope for the park yet, with Costessey town councillor Jenny McCloskey revealing she and councillor Ross Wheeldon are in preliminary talks with Saffron to bring equipment back.

READ MORE: Anticipation builds as safari sculpture trail takes shape

She said: "Myself and Ross visited the park last Friday and we are now in the early stages of looking at getting some funding from South Norfolk Council, with Saffron paying half the cost.

"The officers we met seemed genuinely concerned about the community and happy to discuss the park but the issue at the moment is cost, and Saffron is drawing up plans for various options."

Councillor Jenny McCloskey (right) has said she is in the early stages of securing funding for new park equipment (Image: Newsquest)

"Whatever happens, it won't be until next year as there is very little left for community projects in their budget for this year and until we get the quotes for different options, I can't put in an application for a grant."

Colin Arterton, maintenance manager at Saffron, said: "We understand the play area was popular with local residents and we have been in discussion with councillors Jenny McCloskey and Ross Wheeldon about the future use of the area.

"At this time we do not yet have a resolution but we are actively looking at potential funding options, in collaboration with the local council."

READ MORE: City school withdraws controversial laptop scheme after parent backlash

A South Norfolk Council spokesman confirmed it was speaking with Saffron and checking the original section 106 agreement to see who is responsible for replacing the community resource.

What is S106?

A section 106 agreement is between a developer and a local planning authority to ensure developers take steps to reduce their impact on the community. 

As laid out in the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990, this can include building public services and infrastructure, such as roads, recreational facilities, affordable housing or health and education centres. 

The agreement is often used by councils to allow otherwise unacceptable developments to be built if a notable community contribution is given.