Worries over village's outdoor gym equipment plans

Councillors in Hadnall are considering installing an outdoor gym on a community garden called The Ease which stands between St Mary's Church and Hadnall Moat.

At present the garden consists of a lawned area, flower beds, seating, and a tree and series of rose plants that were planted in memory of the First World War

The garden is regularly used by families who use it as a safe area for children to learn to ride bikes, Easter egg hunts and picnics.

The matter was discussed at a recent parish council meeting, where councillors agreed to update the current nearby play equipment which is in a urgent need of repair.

But some villagers are concerned that the proposed larger equipment, which would be placed at the centre of the garden, would mean that younger members of the community would no longer be able to play on the grassed area.

They launched a social media poll and found that the majority of those who responded would prefer the new equipment is installed on the village green, adjacent to the existing play park where adults can use the equipment whilst their children can play.

One resident said: "The poll has generated a large amount of strong comments, which the parish council seem to be taking no notice of.

"They claim that the proposal forms part of their 'community lead plan'.

"The plan was drawn up on the back of a village questionnaire carried out in 2017. There was very little feedback from the village at this point, so little in fact that the parish council noted in their meeting minutes from November 20, 2017 that the response had been 'disappointing '. Despite the poor response, the council still seem determined to carry on with the scheme, despite the huge wave of objection from the village at large."

Hadnall Parish Council was not available for comment.