Spider Park demolition stopped by residents (from Bentley Bugle)

The sound of bulldozers on 19th July woke residents as City Council contractors began tearing up the terraces of Spider Park on Leaf St.
Locals gathered as the park was dismantled, concerned that the contractors had suddenly appeared with virtually no health and safety measures, nor had the Council consulted them about this work. The Regeneration Team attempted to allay fears of the area being developed, describing the work as “routine maintenance”. The work halted as a result of the intervention by residents, with the Council promising that nothing more would happen without consultation.

The area has had little attention over the years, since the council removed the play equipment from the park that was originally erected in memory of two local boys, James and Leroy, who sadly drowned looking for a place to play. An unusual copse of Southern Beech trees has since matured at one end, and the other is frequently used by locals and for bonfires. Opinions about the site vary.

A group of residents have been canvassing these opinions, and over 200 surveys have completed by people who want to have a say in the future of Spider Park. The overwhelming response is that people want it to remain as a green space, open for the community to use. During a meeting between local residents, Manchester City Council and City South, support was expressed for local people accessing funding to improve the area. Watch this space.

If you would like to get involved, contact spiderpark@rocketmail.com or drop off a note at 26A Humberstone Avenue, Hulme. If you
haven’t already filled in the survey, you can do so online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8TYPQJW.

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