KNUTSFORD residents have warned the town council that Ashworth Park’s ‘extremely boggy’ terrain could scupper plans for a £15,000 play area.

Knutsford Town Council, which recently consulted residents about proposals to transform an area of green space into a play area, has been met with suggestions that the land is too wet to build on.

As part of the proposals, which could cost between £13,000 and £20,000 with equipment costs and annual upkeep, the council suggests taking on the land through an asset transfer from Cheshire East Council in order to improve the area.

Ray Arnold, an Ashworth Park resident, wrote in response to the initial story from the Guardian, saying that the reason the land has not already been developed is because builders have recognised that it is not suitable due to being ‘extremely boggy’.

He said: “The very large pond has disappeared from view, but now lurks not far under the grass, awaiting to grab folks footwear if they unknowingly venture there. Which is why local Ashworth Park folks never do. It is not difficult to imagine the whole area becoming a sticky and muddy quagmire when kiddies start running about.

“Now it may well be possible for the Council's play area designers and contractors to provide some sort of firm and waterproof base under the whole of the playing area, and under the approach path to it.

“But no one in the Council should be under any illusion that installing a few swings and a roundabout, or whatever, surrounded by metal railings is going to be a quick and cheap answer to providing a new children's play area. The whole matter of dealing with the waterlogged ground conditions needs to be thoroughly evaluated, and properly budgeted, before any work starts.”

Knutsford Town Council, which is in the process of evaluating the residents’ results, has received a number of similar concerns from residents.

Adam Keppel-Garner, town clerk, said: “One of the common concerns raised is the bogginess of the area, accordingly the town council will naturally be investigating this further before any decisions are made.

“I would thank all residents who took the time to respond to the consultation and I endeavour to report the results of the consultation to the Assets and Operations Committee towards the end of January.”