Denbighshire Council Uses £300K Funding for Children’s Playground Refurb amid Parent Criticism

Denbighshire County Council had to “use or lose” a £300,000 funding pot for a refurb of a popular children’s playground, says a Ruthin councillor.
A new accessible play park is due to be installed at Cae Ddol in Ruthin as part of an Accessible Play Area Provision project.
Denbighshire received £300,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund to deliver “accessible play provision in two key locations” in the county – with Cae Ddol being the first to undergo construction.
But parents on social media have criticised the decision to start work on July 1, weather permitting, as the play park will remain closed for a period of up to eight weeks during the summer holidays.
But whilst agreeing with parents about the timing of the work, Ruthin councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts says the funding deadlines meant it couldn’t be avoided.
“I welcome the shared prosperity fund investment at Cae Ddol,” he said.
“That very rocking horse was the one I used to rock on as a baby; however, it is disappointing that the window of funding is so short that they have to commence the work over part of the summer holidays.
“I’d remind residents there is a park available at Star Park and also in the Maes Hafod area, which will be available during the closure of the park. But essentially I think it is more important to secure the funding so we get a much better park in the future for Cae Ddol.”
He added: “As a parent, it was the first question I asked. It is not ideal timing, but it is either use it or lose it.”
Denbighshire County Council were contacted for a comment.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter