Halesowen News
Halesowen MUGA could end in child's death - warning
5:09pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
CAMPAIGNERS against plans for a multi-use games area (MUGA) in a Halesowen park fear a child could be killed dashing into the busy road from between parked cars to retrieve their ball.
Highfield Lane residents Gloria Jones and Bronya Webster fear their concerns are being ignored by Dudley Council, which bought the facility with a grant before a decision was made about its location.
Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said only two complaints had been received to the plans for a MUGA in Highfield Park.
Mrs Webster said she was “disappointed” that the council was unaware of her letter of objection emailed to Belle Vale councillor Jill Nicholls on behalf of other residents on February 11.
“She is supposed to be the elected representative, She should represent our views. I spoke to her on the phone and followed it up with the emailed letter, but I’ve not even had an acknowledgement.” said Mrs Webster adding: “I’m disappointed that there has not been more of a public debate on this.
“It’s sad. I really hope that something gets done and somebody listens. If we have a dead or injured child they’ll wish they had then.”
Residents also fear a MUGA will attract more anti-social behaviour by teenagers and dispute police claims that the park - and in particular the skateboard ramp - is not a haven for drug taking and loutish, drunken behaviour.
Mrs Webster said police were seen herding youths into a police van in the park last Friday night and the fire brigade were called out twice during last week’s half term.
“How can they say there has been no trouble?” she said, adding that many people had stopped ringing the police because of a lack of response in the past.
Residents want to see a play area for younger children instead, but a proposal put forward on behalf of families who use the Hope Centre were rejected because the park is not warden controlled.
Belle Vale councillor Bob James said: “If people are against the MUGA plans, I urge them to lodge their objections, as it leaves us in a very awkward situation when it comes to making a decision if they haven’t.”
Cllr Nicholls refused to comment.