John Leigh Park is one of Altrincham's most loved parks, enjoyed by families every day. However, many local parents and carers have growing concerns about the safety of the boundary between the children's playground and Oldfield Road.

This campaign began after my five-year-old son fell from the park wall onto the pavement by the pedestrian crossing and narrowly avoided being hit by a passing car. We were incredibly lucky this time. 

Since launching this petition, many other parents and local residents have contacted me to share their own experiences of near misses and concerns. Balls regularly roll towards the road, children on balance bikes can unintentionally head towards the boundary, and some children climb or jump from the low wall without appreciating the danger. Many residents are worried that it is only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured.

In addition to the park boundary, there are wider concerns about Oldfield Road itself. Residents have highlighted vehicle speeds, poor visibility around the bend, and drivers failing to stop at the pedestrian crossing as factors that increase the risk for families using the park.

We are asking Trafford Council to:
✔ Install suitable railings along the park boundary beside Oldfield Road to provide an additional safety barrier for young children.
✔ Carry out a full road safety assessment of Oldfield Road, including vehicle speeds, visibility, the pedestrian crossing and any other measures that could improve safety.

This campaign has already been raised with our local MP, Connor Rand, Trafford councillors, Trafford traffic officers at Amey, and the local press. We have received a positive response from Trafford Councillor Michael Welton, who has agreed to help ensure these concerns are brought to the attention of the relevant council officers and has offered to meet to discuss the proposals further.

We have also begun displaying posters with QR codes around the local community to make it easier for residents to learn about the campaign and support the petition.
This campaign is not about changing the character of John Leigh Park. It is about making a much-loved park even safer for the thousands of children and families who enjoy it every year.

Please sign and share this petition to help protect local children and encourage Trafford Council to carry out a full safety review before a tragedy occurs. Every signature helps.