A CHILDREN’S play park in Middlewich which has had razor blades left on the slide is set for a makeover costing in excess of £320,000.

Fountain Fields Park in Queen Street has been the topic of complaint for parents in the town for many years with concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour and run-down equipment. 

However, Middlewich Vision has confirmed that a project, run together with Middlewich Town Council, Ansa, Cheshire East Council, and members of the Middlewich Parks and Play Areas Group, is underway to refurbish the park.

The project is in its early stages and is now seeking the views of the public to decide on what to do with the area. 

Beverley Cope, from Middlewich Vision, said: “We have got some funding which is not quite enough but it’s a lot of money. We estimate the project will cost £320,000 if not more.

“We decided that this would be our main project after we had finished Stallard Way, which was a huge success.

“We expect this will be even better than Stallard Way because there is a lot more we can do with Fountain Fields and there are lot more ideas being brought up.

“The initial consultation period has started now and we want people to fill out the survey and tell us what they would like to see done with the park and what they wouldn’t like to see there as well.”

Several parents are backing the project after seeing the play area deteriorate in recent years. 

Gareth Williams, father of two, said: “It’s a huge park with a lot of potential but it’s definitely seen better days. There’s a lot of ageing equipment. There was a child recently who cut his hand on a rusty gate. 

“The other issue is the anti-social behaviour. The place is full of dog mess and glass and there were even razor blades found on the slide there - obviously that’s someone’s idea of a joke. 

“You take for granted that your child will be safe in a play environment but it’s not the case at Fountain Fields unfortunately.”

To fill in the survey, download one from middlewichvision.org.uk or get one from Beverley at the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday, November 28.

Gareth and other Middlewich residents will also be holding a public meeting in the White Bear pub on Wednesday, December 9 at 7.30pm to discuss the park.