Robbie Moore MP has led a call to have play parks reopened across his Keighley and Ilkley constituency. All UK play parks were closed in March due to the ongoing Covid crisis, but fresh guidance from the government allowed them to reopen from Saturday 4 July.
Despite the rules easing, Bradford Council who manage all the parks across Keighley, Ilkley, Silsden and the Worth Valley, have continued to deny access for young people and their families. Parks in a number of nearby council areas including in York and Burnley have opened.
A number of people, including residents and councillors, have called on the council to reopen their play parks but so far this seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Robbie said: “People are understandably frustrated when play parks are reopening in other towns and cities nearby, yet here they have remained closed. Exercise is vitally important especially for young children and outside play parks are key to this.
“It is frustrating that Bradford Council are taking this stance as many children and families across Keighley and Ilkley are being impacted by their decision not to reopen these parks. The example set by other councils shows that play parks can be reopened in a safe and managed way, and can be closed off again if needed.”