{"id":4833,"date":"2020-10-12T17:45:10","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T16:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/2020\/10\/12\/parents-left-confused-and-upset-over-closure-childrens-play-area-longford-park\/"},"modified":"2020-10-12T17:45:10","modified_gmt":"2020-10-12T16:45:10","slug":"parents-left-confused-and-upset-over-closure-childrens-play-area-longford-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/parents-left-confused-and-upset-over-closure-childrens-play-area-longford-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Parents left confused and upset over closure of childrens’ play area at Longford Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parents have been left confused and upset after the children’s play area at Longford Park in Chorlton was closed unexpectedly last week. <\/p>\n

One Trafford<\/a> closed the  under-8s area to carry out repairs on unsafe equipment and the soft play surface which they say is damaged. <\/p>\n

Residents were given no warning about the closure and are frustrated that repairs will not be carried out until the new year. <\/p>\n

\"Stretford,
The under-8’s play area at Longford Park will remain closed until the new year<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parent Sally Scott, 37, who uses the play area with her three-year old daughter, said: \u201cThroughout lockdown we experienced what it was like to not have access to parks and that is why I think people are so upset about it being closed again. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only place you can see other family members at the moment is in places like parks. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time I used the park it was in perfect condition so I don\u2019t see why they have closed it for repairs, and there has been a previous time where there was equipment in the centre of the area fenced off and the rest of the area remained open so why couldn\u2019t they do that again. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf a particular thing needs repairing, they should fence that thing off as closing the entire play area is unnecessary and people are relying on these outdoor spaces at the moment.\u201d <\/p>\n

Other parents took to social media to express their confusion and anger at the closure. <\/p>\n

\n

@TraffordCouncil<\/a> can you tell me when this playpark in Longford park will reopen? Shut since Tuesday. No sign of work. No equipment in need of repair. Used by 1000s of toddlers at a time when no other activities are available for them. @Ameyplc<\/a> gave me no information. pic.twitter.com\/qWx4jlHMkG<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\u2014 Amanda Babington (@AmandaBabington) September 25, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

@TraffordCouncil<\/a> can you let me know why the under 8s play area is closed in Longford Park and when it will reopen?<\/p>\n

\t\u2014 Angela Wallace (@AngelaLWallace) September 28, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

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@TraffordCouncil<\/a> why is Longford park kids play park closed can\u2019t see any thing broken<\/p>\n

\t\u2014 Tony Maslen (@Mazzasenior) October 4, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A One Trafford representative said: \u201cWe take the safety of everyone using our park facilities extremely seriously and, on that basis, we are unfortunately unable to reopen the under 8s play area until these surfacing issues are resolved. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognise how disappointing this is for park users and are working to ensure the repair work is completed as quickly as practically possible.\u201d <\/p>\n

Updates are expected to be provided on the Friends of Longford Park<\/a> website and Facebook page. <\/p>\n