Gary Ridley has welcomed a report to Cabinet Member Tim Sawdon calling for the scrapping of plans to build a play area on the site of Lake View Park.

Local residents had submitted a petition to Gary bearing 295 signatures against the construction of a play area on the park and further emphasised their opposition at the Sherbourne ward forum where 59 residents to 1 voted against the plans.

Local people had concerns that a play area would significantly alter the natural and quiet feel of the park and may have become a magnet for increased anti-social behaviour, there have been several high profile incidents this year including a stabbing. One of the most pressing concerns for residents was that the site was susceptible to flooding and that the safety of children playing nearby could not be guaranteed.

The latest report to the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Libraries recommends that the project be scrapped and that a more suitable site is found in the area for a potential new play area. The report also recognises that flooding and ground conditions could be a problem.

Ward Councillor Gary Ridley who led opposition to the plan commented;

"The safety of local children must always come first and I had real concerns about building a play area on a flood plain at all, clearly those concerns were shared by the experts. The majority of Local people also felt that it would change the nature of the park from a quite natural area to a much busier one and anti-social behaviour also a consideration for many."

He added;

"I think it's hugely important that we achieve a balance between providing play facilities and keeping local residents happy. We all recognise that there is a crucial need for play areas for kids to play on and I look forward to working with the Council to find a suitable site which residents and children alike are satisfied with."

The report will be considered on 18th October 2007.