Council defends progress on vandal-hit playground

The rebuilding of a play area torched by vandals remains on schedule, Blackpool Council has said, after local councillors criticised delays.

The play ship in Anchorsholme Park was destroyed on 28 December, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Local Conservative councillors pledged to get the park's play area upgraded with new equipment, and the Friends of Anchorsholme Park charity committed £10,000 towards the project.

Anchorsholme councillors Paul Galley and Anita Cooper, along with Norbreck councillor Julie Sloman, said the council was dragging its feet over starting work. However, Labour-led Blackpool Council said it was always set to be finished in March.

Galley said: "Residents are frustrated and, quite rightly, they are asking us when things are actually going to happen.

"We are constantly fighting to get the council to meet deadlines and deliver on promises that have been made.

"We want firm dates, clear milestones and action.

"But we also want to be positive. We genuinely believe there is a fantastic opportunity to turn this situation around and create a rejuvenated Anchorsholme Park that the whole community can be proud of."

The councillors are calling on Blackpool Council to commit publicly to the full implementation of the promised overhaul, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "We all want the same thing - to create a vibrant, safe and appealing park.

"A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to achieve this, and we have kept both the ward councillors up to speed on this.

"We've been clear throughout that Easter 2027 is when the play park will reopen."

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