Councillors agree to support “swamp” park improvements

Campaigners have called on North East Lincolnshire Councillors to improve a popular Grimsby park they say becomes a “swamp” during rainfall.

A nearly 1,200 change.org petition organised by Alison Comerford, Paul Windley and Lisa Logan, calling on the action at People’s Park, was debated by members at full council on Thursday.

Residents say the facility can be “unusable” all-year-round if the weather is bad.

The petition states: “People’s park is potentially a focal meeting point for the community, but as our children can not use the equipment there, more and more people are not attending the park and going to other play areas such as Weelsby Woods, which is usable all year round.”

People’s Park, in Grimsby. Photo: Daniel Jaines

Speaking before the councillors on Thursday, Alison Comerford said: “People’s Park is a beautiful park and we need to ensure it stays like that.”

Councillor Matthew Patrick, the finance cabinet member, told the meeting that it was “very difficult” to find funding, but said he would be willing to meet with the group and discuss funding options or finding other solutions.

Councillors noted how dirty play equipment could get with young people dragging the mud onto it and raised concerns over potential health and safety issues surrounding the problem.

Councillor John Fenty added: “These sorts of play areas are so important to young people.

“Our objective should be to get them away from their devices… we want them out and in these sorts of places,” he said.

Councillor Debbie Rodwell said there were certain locations that were important to the town and People’s Park was one of them.

“Play areas should be cared for and looked after and if there’s anyway to support them I more than support that,” she said.

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