Locals fix swing after council unable to afford it

A play swing in Grimsby that the council "could not afford" to pay £500 to repair has been fixed at less than half the cost by local people.

The basket-type swing was removed from The Willows in the autumn after it was damaged by dogs.

Lyndsey Downes, the ward councillor, asked North East Lincolnshire Council to repair the swing, but was told the authority's specific budget could not cover an estimated £500 repair cost until the next financial year, which begins in April.

The Freshney Forward community group and Care Plus Charitable Trust stepped in to arrange repair of the swing at a cost of £220 and it was back in use by 22 January.

"I am delighted I've been able to help Willows residents get their swing back, and intervene when the council was unable to afford it," said Downes.

"I know from talking to residents that it was a really important piece of equipment."

Downes previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the swing was well used by disabled children, as the only accessible equipment in the park.

She thanked the community groups for stepping in.

Kate Moor, who chairs Freshney Forward, said: "The group felt it was important to get the swing repaired as soon as possible so that no one missed out on being able to have fun outside in the fresh air, so didn't hesitate to put some funds forward for the repair.

"We're so pleased to see it back in use and hope the community look after it for everyone's benefit."

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: "The authority was aware of the necessary work that was required to this swing, and it had been a priority for the start of the new financial year in April – ensuring it was in good working order for the spring and summer.

"The efforts of the community mean that is no longer necessary and we recognise the work that has been done by all those involved."

However, the authority said it was a "great shame" it was being called to incidents of vandalism and damage in parks "on a regular basis".

The spokesperson added: "In this financial year just ending, we have had to spend a considerable sum repairing an expensive swing for young people with disability in one of our parks after youngsters had been jumping on it in groups of up to six, causing damage that put it out of action.

"We wish to remind everyone that all the play equipment in our parks should be respected – as should the flowerbeds, green spaces, and trees. All of these things are managed for the good of all residents and visitors and we want them to be enjoyed safely."

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