A ROW has broken out in a tight-knit rural community about a children’s playpark.

The facility in Skares was opened in August 2008, after being funded by the Minerals Trust and landfill tax money.

Two residents, who have asked not to be named, have been looking after the site, picking up litter and emptying litter bins.

They also get rid of weeds and recently spent almost two weeks re-painting and preparing the equipment.

In addition, it is fully insured for public liability, safety checks are regularly carried out and funded by Barr Environmental.

However, some householders who live near the playpark want it removed, and have taken to locking it to prevent anyone using it.

This has led to the current dispute, with one man describing those wanting the park removed as a ‘hardhearted and selfish minority’.

He told the Chronicle: “It started off when a resident opposite the park had words with a driver who had doubleparked in front of the park gate.

“The resident has now padlocked the gate and only allows in children that he knows.

“But he works Monday to Friday and the park is used by the wider community from farms, outlying cottages and nearby towns and villages.

“Parents who have children with physical and mental challenges like to bring them to a safe, clean and quiet playpark — they are now barred from using it.

“I want this issue brought to a wider audience as well as letting those, who are being denied access to the park, know what is happening.”

Those wanting the park moved claim that it has been built at a different location than that given planning permission for.

A document recently presented to the Skares Community Group says: “The park was originally agreed to be put further up George Terrace away from the houses. This was the wish of the residents of George Terrace, but it was ignored.

“The planning permission gives permission for the park to be built on land opposite 1 George Terrace, the park has, therefore, been built in the wrong place and should not be there, a point which Neil is prepared to take legal action over, particularly in relation to the loss of trees.

“The park is now one of the biggest and most well kept parks in the area.

“This has led to a year on year increase in traffic, parking and on occasions people drinking, shouting in the park, parking across driveways, verbally abusing residents and so on.”

These are the main reasons the residents have locked the park and only allowing access to local children.