Since the opening of Castle Park, built on a repurposed car park on Chalk Lane in NN1 behind Sol Central, I have seen countless children playing football on the green that sits between the designated playground, and a very busy and active minor road leading into the castle estate.

I am a local resident who has witnessed this every day. I’ve also personally picked up footballs for these young people as I’ve crossed paths and roads, as they have kicked into the street. 

This happens too much for me to consider this safe. Cars regularly come down this incredibly narrow lane. And despite the narrow necked start of the one way road, cars are still too fast driving up, and almost always curb their car intentionally and drive with 2 wheels on the narrow part of pavement. 

I feel it would be wise for signage to be installed that have cars drive at 5MPH until they reach the junction of Chalk Lane and Saint Mary’s Street, as well as a “Children’s playground / Children Crossing” sign so that drivers can be more considerate for the safety of the children playing with balls that are constantly being kicked into the road. 

Truthfully, the council should have installed this when they built the park last year. They also should have considered installing tall fences around the park for this exact issue. 

So let’s keep our next generation safe by vocalising our concerns regarding the welfare of children and drivers alike.

Thank You.