LYME REGIS: Heated debate broke out at a Lyme Regis Town Council meeting over proposals for the Anning Road play area.

In 2013 there were complaints the play equipment was dangerous, outdated and poorly designed.
Last year, councillors chose the play area as an 'important priority' for the 2015/16 year, out of a list of 17 other possible projects.

Since then, the town council has commissioned several play park designers to draw up their proposals for the site.

However, there was considerable disagreement at last Wednesday's management committee meeting (Jan 14) over whether the council should have agreed on extensive details of the play area plans, rather than the current decision of leaving specifics to the companies the council has approached to draw up designs.

Operations manager Elliott Herbert told councillors meetings had been held with developers, who had been asked to draw up plans based on the initial requirements proposed by the council.

But Cllr Michaela Ellis was concerned the project was progressing too fast and said: “We have not discussed this and I'm really concerned that we are going out for something that the council hasn't spoken about properly.”

Chair of the committee, Cllr Chris Clipson, said it had been agreed at the previous council meeting to commission different designs from developers.

It was pointed out to committee members that drawings would come back and then amendments could be made, with Mr Herbert saying: “The scope of the play park we are going to supply is that it is inclusive and fun. We are just waiting for the last drawing of the area because we have had to have the play park surveyed as there are gradients and slopes.”

But many councillors were keen to discuss individual details of the proposed park facilities, ranging from disabled equipment to the potential for expansion into the neighbouring football pitch.

Some members, such as Cllr Terry O-Grady, argued the football pitch was not particularly well used, and he asked: “Does [the play park] have to stay within the grounds there or can it be expanded [into the football pitch]?”

There was discussion of the pros and cons of this option and whether the field was well-used, but Mr Herbert said amending plans further could be more costly, adding: “We are talking about probably around £100,000 just to level the Anning site park. A feasibility study [has already been] conducted.” 

In contrast to other members' disapproval of the handling of the project, Cllr Rikey Austin said: “I'm really happy that we are going to the experts first. Maybe they will think of things which we, with our limited knowledge, wouldn't think of. The other problem is the £100,000 to level it. Let's look at what we have got and what we can do, and listen to what Elliott is telling us.”

However, Cllr Anita Williams would not let matters lie and said: “This demonstrates the danger of going about these projects backwards. Perhaps we should have had this discussion.

Cllr Clipson said: “That's your view - it isn't mine. I'm very content with the way we are going. We have tried our best and we are going forward. I'm quite happy with what the council has chosen to do.

Cllr Ellis then said: “You might be, but I'm not. That's the idea of having these meetings to thrash it out.

It is a problem, but anyway...”

Committee members were told drawings should be sent to them shortly.