THE LONG-running saga over the opening of a park on an Evesham housing estate has come to an end after it finally opened to youngsters.
Metal fencing was finally removed from around the new play area after developers obtained the necessary insurance needed.
The Observer first reported back in August how more than 100 angry parents who live on The Orchards estate, off Offenham Road, signed a petition calling on housing developers to open the park for their children.
Bovis Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt responded to the public pressure and promised the play equipment would be able to be used by the end of September- which didn’t happen and the opening date was then pushed back until October.
After another missed deadline and following a final plea from mother of two Caroline Lockwood, who has lived on The Orchards estate for more than two years, children are now finally able to play on the swings, slide and monkey bars.
“I’m so pleased and relieved,” Mrs Lockwood told the Observer.
“So many children were playing there the other day, making friends and playing football.
“It is lovely to see it being used for what it is intended for.
“It is a shame it took so much work to get it open and having to hear tireless excuses from the builders, but nonetheless, there are lots of happy little faces getting lots of fresh air and exercise now.”
A spokesperson for the housing developers said: “We are delighted that the play area at The Orchards is now open and we hope families from all over the community will enjoy the facility.
“We acknowledge this process took longer than initially anticipated and we would like to apologise for the delay whilst we arranged for the public liability insurance to be put in place.”
