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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Joel Moore

'There's nothing for kids to do' - calls for more parks in Top Valley

Parents in the Top Valley area have demanded for more parks to be built as they fear children left with nothing to do are turning to crime.

The suburb, situated to the north of Nottingham, and the area surrounding it is subject to an array of housing developments.

Work is progressing on more than 100 council houses in Whitcome Gardens, and green space off Ridgeway in Bestwood is subject to a 71-home proposal.

However, people living in the area, particularly mothers and fathers, feel no thought has been given to parks and activities for the area's children.

"There's not a single one," said Deborah Moth, who lives in the Edward Lane estate.

"We've got a bad reputation for kids misbehaving around here, but what are they supposed to do when there's nothing to do?"

The 49-year-old, who has started a petition to get more parks built, told Nottinghamshire Live that the distance to her nearest play area meant her 10-year-old son was losing out.

"I don't want my son hanging on a street corner," Ms Moth continued.

"There are so many families from this estate. Parks would get kids off the street but there's nothing at all, it's ridiculous."

Other parents are in agreement. Lewis Nysi, of Daybrook said: "I just don't know where they'd find the space. There's so many houses under construction in the area."

The 40-year-old spoke whilst waiting for his child on a field, which could be transformed into yet another estate after plans were validated in November, outside Southglade Primary School.

Work progresses on more than 100 council houses in Whitcome Gardens, Top Valley (Nottingham Post/ Joel Moore)

He continued: "There also needs to be an increase in activities for children, we need more leisure centres and more sessions at them.

"Parks are good for the environment, they provide fresh air. There should also be some wooded area."

Amy Robinson, of Top Valley, who has a seven-year-old daughter, said that she had witnessed kids flicking stones at house windows.

"It's because they haven't got anything else to do," she said.

"[The lack of parks] is probably because we've only got one up the road and it's not great. There's always kids on there swearing and everything.

"I don't like to take my daughter there. But it would be nice to have something for the kids."

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council spokesperson said that Top Valley was served by "two large parks" - Southglade Park and Bulwell Forest Park, adding they "both offer a range of facilities".

"Bestwood Country Park, managed by Nottinghamshire County Council, is also nearby," they said.

"Our parks team is continually working to improve parks and open spaces across the city and increase Nottingham residents’ access to green spaces, which we know people really value, especially during the pandemic.”

The spokesman said that any initiatives would depend on funding, which is being squeezed as Nottingham City Council is making £28m of savings as it looks to balance its 2022/23 budget.

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