Parents angry at play area litter

By Matt White

Friday, May 11, 2012

 

Parents angry at play area litter

Rubbish left at the children’s play area at Hookes Way, Newport.

CONCERNED parents are fed up with the state of a Newport play area, which has become a dumping ground for broken glass, condoms, beer cans and dog mess.
The condition of Hookes Way play area has stopped some parents taking their children there because they are worried they could be hurt, or what they might find.
The play area is a known gathering place for teenagers, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, but parents are reluctant to challenge them for fear of repercussions.
Roy Whiteman, of Spectrum Housing, which is responsible for the Hookes Way play area, said it was inspected weekly and if any other concerns were raised, they would be acted on immediately.
He said a complaint about broken glass was made last week and it was cleared up within a day.
Mr Whiteman offered to speak with users of the play area to hear their concerns directly.
One father of three, who asked not to be named, said he would rather walk into town to use another play area.
He said: “Last time we were there, my friend’s son picked up a condom and was asking what it was.
“It has got really bad, so we go somewhere else.” A mum of one, who also asked not to be named, said she used to clear the mess herself.
She said: “I went to play with my son and what we saw was dreadful — condoms, glass, women’s trousers, knickers and more.
“Two weeks later it was still there with a pile of rubbish, dog mess and more bottles and I was really concerned about what my son would find next.”

Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk

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