Residents of a Banbury housing development complain about their neglected children's play park

While Banbury Town Council celebrated ‘Love Parks Week’ last week (July 29- August 5) by encouraging residents to use the council’s parks and open spaces, the parents and children of Hart Close in Hanwell Fields felt very left out.

Their Cherwell councillor, Andrew Crichton (Lab) said: “The recreation ground (which is not maintained by the town council) has a piece of play equipment missing, there is no sign above its front gates and it is overgrown with weeds and grass.

“Across the front gate a branch of thorny plant grows, preventing any families with children from entering.”

Mr Crichton, who was elected for the first time in May, is highly critical of the neglect of the neighbourhood recreation ground.

"I was horrified to discover how run down it has become in the past two decades since it was built. Whereas other recreation grounds in this area seem reasonably well maintained, this one has been left to rack and ruin.

"After initially reporting the rec and the damage to the town council, I have been advised that this recreation ground is owned by Persimmon Homes. It was not adopted with all the other recreation grounds on the estate.

“I have now reported this damage to Persimmon Homes and hope for a speedy response to bring this recreation ground up to a standard that is safe for local families.”

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said: “Until the play area has been formally transferred, its upkeep and maintenance remains the responsibility of Persimmon Homes.

“The play area does not meet the required standard for adoption because of a number of defects associated with it. The developer is aware of these defects and that it is their responsibility to resolve the situation.

“The council has written to the developer again, seeking a timescale for the completion of the works required to rectify the defects identified. Once these works have been completed the play area will be inspected by Cherwell District Council and Banbury Town Council, and if acceptable the transfer will take place.”

Update – Persimmon Homes contacted the Banbury Guardian today (Wednesday) to say: ““We would like to thank Councillor Crichton for bringing this matter to our attention. We have organised a site visit for today where an inspection will be carried out to assess the work that is required to ensure the playground is suitable for use by local families.”