Adults seen 'helping children access' closed park

Adults have been seen helping children to access a park which includes a 7ft (2m) climbing frame, despite the play area being currently closed to the public and potentially dangerous, a council has said.

Wyre Council, which closed Fleetwood Memorial Park temporarily during construction work because of ongoing anti-social behaviour, has expressed concern over trespassers accessing the ringfenced site.

A spokesperson for the authority said that some adults had been seen helping children get into the playground, despite the risk of "life-changing or even fatal consequences" if anyone falls onto the concrete below while playing.

Construction workers on site have also faced abuse, the council said.

"Our contractors have been subjected to threatening behaviour, and the building site has continued to be compromised," the authority said.

"It's not just young people at fault - we have witnessed adults helping children gain access to the secured construction area.

"We cannot emphasise strongly enough how dangerous this is. Entering an active construction area and climbing a 7ft climbing frame presents a serious risk of injury.

"A fall from that height onto solid concrete could have life-changing or even fatal consequences."

The council said it was investing in Fleetwood and working hard to provide improved play facilities for local children and families.

"However, these improvements can only be delivered with the support and co-operation of the community."

The Grade II-listed park was designed and developed by Sir Leslie Patrick Abercrombie in 1926 to commemorate residents of Fleetwood and the surrounding area who died in World War I.

The authority warned that every instance of damage, trespass or disruption not only delayed the project, but also increased costs, with money that should be spent improving facilities having to be used to repair damage, replace security measures and address other issues caused by unauthorised access.

Security has been put in place as a result of the disturbances, and the council said it was keeping in contact with Fleetwood Police, who were also undertaking more regular patrols.

The council spokesperson urged everyone in the town "to play their part by respecting the site boundaries, discouraging others from entering the area, and allowing our contractors to carry out their work without obstruction".

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