Anger as Daisy Nook play boat is taken out of use

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Oldham Council has come under fire from locals after the hugely popular childrens' wooden play boat at Daisy Nook Country Park was taken out of use.

The Council posted the news on its social media yesterday (Thursday), but the news hasn't been received well at all.

The post on the I love Oldham Facebook page read: "We are removing the play boat at Daisy Nook Country Park as years of play have taken a toll and the wood is damaged.

"We anticipated this day would come, which is why we have improved the play area further in the park.

"In the future we will look for funding to replace it."

Despite the Facebook post indicating damage to the play boat, it has been bombarded with comments from disappointed locals.

One posted: "Oh no, that's really sad.

"Literally hundreds of kids play in that each week.

"Such a great place for parents to take their kiddies for a free day out in the "country side"."

Another said: "Sad to say I won't hold my breath for replacement, especially if they have to find funding. Shame."

One local member of the public contacted the Chronicle this morning.

She said: "We have been informed that the council plan to take out the wooden play boat at the end of the car park starting today! (see video below).

"This has caused a lot of upset in our local community.

"The boat has been well used and loved since it was put in and it’s a massive shame that the children will have nothing left to play on."

Another person questioned on Facebook: "Why hasn't it been maintained?

"It's the beginning of the school holidays and with the cost of living crisis, many local families come to daisynook as a free day out!

"The cafe will be next because families won't go anymore."

Another posted: "This boat needs to live!!!

"A brew an ice cream or a bit of food and sit at the boat, it's highly popular.

"There was never not a child on it, my kids would play for 3/4 hours on this boat."

In response to the comments and feelings of locals, Cllr Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We know how much families love the wooden play boat at Daisy Nook Country Park.

"It’s been a great addition to the park for many years.

“Oldham has more than 23 amazing parks and 79 other equipped play sites for families to enjoy and I’m proud of our team that maintain the parks all year round.

“The boat was originally put in as part of Play Builder grant funding 13 years ago.

"Recently the wood has been suffering from rot and we have tried to repair and maintain it over time as best as we can.

“Although we would love to keep the boat as a feature, the safety of our young residents has to come first – especially with the summer holiday starting and more children expected to play on the structure.

"We hope residents understand.

“The space will be kept as a sand pit and we will look at finding funding to rebuild it in the future.

“I hope residents join us in one of Oldham’s parks for #LoveParksWeek which runs from Saturday 29 July to 5 August.

"The Oldham Council website has a full list of our amazing parks and green spaces."

That still wasn't enough to appease more local residents, however, with one replying: "Thanks for the history.

"Surely it could be fixed for a reasonable cost.

"Really tax money should be paying for it but I would chip in donations or time/£ and I'm sure local wood working trades could arrange something.

"Seems extreme to just take it away!"

Another added: "Get a grip - spend a few grand on repairs or a new boat that mums and dads and children use all the time for socialising and play."

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