Mums and dads fight to reclaim Otley play area (From Wharfedale Observer)

Mums and dads fight to reclaim Otley play area

7:00am Sunday 29th April 2012 in News By Jim Jack

Councillors are vowing to back parents who are trying to reclaim an Otley play area for their children.

Residents in the Wellcroft and Tealbeck Approach area say the local park and playground is becoming unusable because of persistent drinking, vandalism, littering and suspected drug dealing.

Parent Matthew Slater said: “Our local park is being destroyed by local youths hell-bent on using the area as a drinking, smoking, drug-taking and general litter-dumping ground.

“This is making the park’s true function unattainable because of the broken glass from smashed alcohol bottles, a sea of litter and the play surface and equipment being damaged.

“Wellcroft should be an ideal, safe and happy place for children to play in; however currently it is far from this.”

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I am concerned about the matters raised and have asked the local police to include Wellcroft as an area for patrol.

“I would urge anyone who sees inappropriate behaviour to contact the police.

“Ward councillors are working with Leeds City Council’s parks department on a plan to repair and refurbish Wellcroft play area.”

Otley Town Council leader, councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “We will want to work with the police and local people to stamp out anti-social behaviour.”

The North West Outer neighbourhood policing team said it was unaware of problems in the area, but that officers had now been door-to-door to ask about any concerns.