Urgent Action Needed to Protect Vital Play Area Improvements

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Heworth Without, Cllr Nigel Ayre, is calling on local residents to take immediate action ahead of a crucial vote in the coming weeks that could determine the future of almost £50,000 in funding for much-needed improvements to Stray Road Park’s play area.

For over a decade, Cllr Ayre and the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to secure the necessary funding to upgrade the sports field at Stray Road Park. Local residents have long raised concerns about the poor condition of the field, which is often unusable for more than half of the year, and the lack of facilities for a variety of sports, including basketball, netball, and cricket.

Cllr Ayre said:

“We made significant progress in 2022 when the City of York Council approved a £60,000 investment to improve Stray Road Park, including multi-use goals for football, basketball, cricket, and netball. However, due to delays at the Parish Council, nearly £15,000 of this funding was lost in May 2023.

“I’ve been working hard with council officers to develop an alternative scheme using the remaining funding. Although the work was set to go out to tender earlier this year, further delays have pushed the project back. Now, the Parish Council is preparing to vote on whether they will support these plans.

“If the Parish Council decides not to back the project, it’s highly likely that the full £50,000 of funding will be lost, and any improvements to Stray Road Park will be delayed for the foreseeable future. This would be a devastating blow for local children and families, who have been strong supporters of the scheme.”

As part of the consultation process, all Year 2 to 6 children at Hempland School were engaged and provided their input on the proposed improvements. Their support highlights the importance of these upgrades for young residents in the ward, who would greatly benefit from better recreational facilities in the area.

Cllr Ayre is urging all residents who want to see improvements to Stray Road Park to take action now:

“I encourage everyone who supports these vital upgrades to email the Parish Clerk with their statements of support or attend the public meeting on 28th April to make their voices heard.”

Residents can express their support by emailing the Clerk at clerk@heworthwithoutparishcouncil.gov.uk or by attending the public meeting to speak in favour of the improvements.