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Unsafe & Disgusting: Locals Slam Green Flag Park
31 Jul
Summary
- Park received a Green Flag award despite resident concerns.
- Residents describe the park as unsafe and significantly deteriorated.
- Council cites reduced budgets for park upkeep challenges.
Batley's Wilton Park has been awarded a Green Flag, a prestigious recognition for meeting rigorous standards. However, many local residents dispute the award, citing a severe decline in the park's condition. They describe the current state as "disgusting and unsafe," a stark contrast to its former glory.
Long-time residents remember Wilton Park featuring a boating lake, cafe, and well-maintained lawns. Today, they report seeing rats and extensive litter, with a memorial bench recently found burnt. These ongoing issues have led locals to question the validity of the Green Flag award, suggesting it's being used by the council to mask the park's deterioration.
A spokesperson for Kirklees Council stated they are proud of their parks but are operating with reduced budgets and resources. This financial pressure affects essential upkeep tasks like grass-cutting, contributing to the park's current challenges.
