Frustration at long wait for play park to be built

People living on an estate in Nottinghamshire have said they are frustrated by an unfinished children's park that has been planned for more than eight years.

The play area formed part of an agreement signed in 2017 for the 86-home Ashvale Place development in Tuxford.

Funding of more than £51,500 was given to Bassetlaw District Council under a section 106 agreement to create the area in 2022, but the fenced area remains empty and overgrown.

The authority said it could not begin installation work until it owned the land, adding that the "final documents" to make the transfer were now with the landowner's solicitors.

Laura Kelly, who has lived in the development for three years, said: "The fact that it's sat there, and we've [been] told it's going to be finished but it hasn't even started, is quite annoying."

"The kids were so excited moving here, because there was [supposed to be] a park on the new estate, but nothing's been done about it," she added.

Billy Harris, a resident of two years, said the land circled by the fence had become "overgrown and filled with rubbish".

He expressed a desire for progress to be made by Christmas.

Mr Harris, who has fibromyalgia, said having the park on his doorstep would make a positive difference to his and his child's life.

He added: "It could have been something for the kids, they're always playing all over the roads. People also just drive as fast as they want to because it's a small estate.

"Being able to have them in a park where it's safe, and people can come out and watch, I think it would bring the community together."

Peter Clark, head of neighbourhood services at Bassetlaw District Council, said discussions to transfer ownership of the land began in April 2022, but the authority was still waiting on it to be finalised before work could start.

He added: "We understand the frustrations of residents here and would like to reassure them that we are working hard to deliver a new play park in this area."

A spokesperson for Amplius, which acquired the site after development started, said it was working with the council to complete the transfer.

"In the meantime, we've paid for and erected fencing around the designated area," they added.

"We'll continue to work closely with the council to ensure all legal documents are completed as soon as possible so work can be carried out to provide the play area for local residents."

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