Play area 'disaster waiting to happen'

The council says the play area has been deemed safe

A play area where children have been injured has been branded a "disaster waiting to happen" by a local councillor.

Pieces of metal have been reported sticking out of the ground at the site in Middle Herrington, Sunderland, which is also prone to flooding, Conservative Dominic McDonough said.

"We've already had reports of kids hurting themselves on the play area but I'm really worried it's going to be something more serious," McDonough added.

Sunderland City Council said it had been deemed safe after inspections and improvements were carried out, with more planned for later this year.

McDonough, who represents Herrington and Farringdon, said the play area, which is the only play park in the village, had been deteriorating for a number of years and "is often inaccessible to buggies and wheelchairs".

He said parents were "really frustrated" and three injuries had been reported to him over the past year.

"A lot of parents have said to me they just don't want to use the play area anymore," he said.

McDonough says pieces of metal are sticking from the ground and parents are worried about their children being injured

He has called on the Labour-led council to work with him towards a full refurbishment.

McDonough said CCTV cameras had helped resolve past anti-social behaviour issues at the site, but he added "we've gone from one problem to another".

"It's putting families off, which is such a shame," he said.

"The condition of this play area is unacceptable. It's only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured unless action is taken."

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, said the play area was inspected on a weekly basis, with an annual independent inspection also carried out and it had "continued to be ranked as 'safe'".

"Over the last 18 months, especially after last year's wet weather, further works to help improve site drainage were completed," she said.

"I met councillor McDonough at the site, listened to his concerns, and explained further options and possibilities. In the meantime, we got on with our work here and have improvements lined-up.

"The site continues to be assessed as safe for use and the improvements include installing an additional piece of play equipment and a picnic bench ahead of the October half term."