Wilton Park’s ‘unsafe’ cascade delayed
Wilton Park Batley.
THE grand finale of Wilton Park’s centenary celebrations has been delayed due to safety concerns.
The Batley park’s newly refurbished water cascade was due to be switched on at a celebratory event on July 8.
Bad weather caused the switch-on to be cancelled, but almost six weeks on the event has not been rescheduled.
Now Kirklees Council has confirmed that additional safety measures need to be installed before the water feature is activated.
Friends of Wilton Park chairman Gerry Hird branded the delay “disgusting”.
He said: “It should have been switched on long since.”
Mr Hird also raised concerns about safety.
“I think it’s dangerous as it is,” he said.
Mr Hird said children sitting or standing on the cascade’s stones could slip when green algae forms on them.
“They should put wrought iron all the way around it and put a sign up to say people shouldn’t sit on it,” he said.
Coun Peter O’Neill (Lab, Batley West), who is also a member of the Friends group, said he believed the cascade would be officially switched on in early September.
“There are health and safety concerns with the children playing on the cascade, and water side railings are being fitted,” he said.
“It’s disappointing it wasn’t done earlier but we can all look forward to September.”
A spokesman from Kirklees Council confirmed that safety railings are going to be fitted.
The cascade refurbishment was to round off a year of celebrations to mark Wilton Park and Bagshaw Museum’s 100th year.
A grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund has funded a photo exhibition, heritage trail and commemorative stone in the park.
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Weather for Batley
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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