Play area on the Cray

Councillor Amna Mir and local campaigner John Blundell inspect the abandoned children’s play area on the Cray in Firgrove

A campaign has been launched to restore play equipment to an abandoned children’s park.

The pocket-park on the Cray Estate has been neglected for years and toddler play equipment was removed after the council deemed it dangerous.

But now Councillor Amna Mir is campaigning for the park to be restored and new equipment installed.

She said: “This play area looks so sad and abandoned. There is nowhere for young children to play on the Cray and it’s about time this area was restored and brought back to life. I have been approached by several mums on the estate who complain there is nowhere safe for their young children to play.”

Local resident and campaigner John Blundell said: “There are lots of children living on the Cray and it’s a scandal they have nowhere safe to play. It’s a crying shame that this ready-made play area has been left to go to ruin. The council removed the play equipment years ago because it was unsafe. I want them to upgrade the park and install some new play equipment for young children.

Councillor Mir is requesting the council to bring forward plans to upgrade the play area and to identify funds to install new equipment. She has also asked that children’s charities – such as Children in Need – be approached to help with funding.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We would be happy to facilitate a meeting between residents, councillors and officers to discuss the issue.

“There is a need for more play provision in the area but if funding were found there may be more appropriate locations in the vicinity which may need to be considered.”