Myself and many of the local families are disappointed to see how run down our local playground has become (Boxers lake open space).

Once well maintained it has now become unsafe, unhygienic and unsightly.

Firstly the issue of people using the playground as a public toilet. Dogs are often in the playground urinating in the sandpit and on the playground apparatus. On four occasions in the last week dog mess has been left behind by the children's climbing frames. The dogs should not be in the playground in the first place. Not only is this unsightly this can be extremely dangerous. 

A lot of the playground apparatus is now rotting, broken, rusty, dirty and unsafe. The tarmac has lifted and we have often seen children tripping and hurting themselves.

The sandpit is at very low levels and has become filthy, I believe it has not been changed or topped up for years.

Graffiti with obscene words/pictures are often on the climbing frames.

Moss, overgrown weeds and grass is also not maintained. 

The one bin is often overflowing with dirty nappies, sauces, dirty baby wipes etc and does not seem to be emptied regularly enough and one bin is not sufficient. 

One bench which again does not seem adequate enough. And not one shaded area that families can enjoy on warmer days.

Lastly there is a huge broken paving slab that has just been sitting on the grass verge that is very dangerous. 

Improvements and changes need to be made so this playground can be a place our children can enjoy and be safe.  

OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER!