Mill Lane Play Area

HOW IT BEGAN:

During the Covid lockdown years, a petition was launched on Change.org highlighting serious concerns about Mill Lane Play Area. The introduction was hard-hitting, and Up Holland Parish Council took those concerns seriously. 

Why this petition matters

14th September 2020:  Mill Lane Park is one of the worst in Lancashire. It’s a wonderful place with huge potential and everyone in Up Holland wants a place where people of all ages can enjoy the outdoors. Sign this petition to let the Parish Council know we do care about it and are willing to fight for it.
We can envision a park with new play equipment for toddlers and young children.

Outdoor gym equipment and ramps for teenagers and even tennis courts for everyone. There’s plenty of space for a wild flower garden or maybe a community food garden. It’s high time we did something about it and let the council know we want to see massive improvements urgently

Over the past five years, the Parish Council has acted.

We undertook on-site surveys, speaking directly to people using the park to understand what they wanted and what was missing.  We also resolved to use Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding—contributions from housing developers—to replace outdated and tired equipment.

As a result, the following improvements have been delivered:

• Additional seating
• A kissing gate (openable by Radar key) to deter motorbikes and quad bikes
• Adult-sized outdoor gym equipment
• A disabled-friendly roundabout
• A zip wire and tube slide
• Calisthenics and climbing equipment

Alongside play provision, we have prioritised biodiversity and community involvement. Working with WLBC Rangers, Lancashire County Council, Friends of Tawd Valley, and St Thomas’ Primary School, we have:

• Created a Miyawaki forest on the banking
• Planted a hedgerow along the inside of the wooden fencing

We do listen

Not everything has gone smoothly, and we are honest about that.

Following police advice, seating was initially relocated closer to the road so that it was more visible and therefore easier to monitor.  Unfortunately, this proved to be a mistake, as the benches were then used as a platform to throw mud towards cottages across the road.  When residents raised concerns, we listened and acted.  The benches were moved further into the field, where they could no longer be used in this way.

Use of the park today

The improvements have led to increased footfall, with the park now being used by people of all ages. We recognise that this includes age groups who can sometimes be vulnerable to boredom and, on occasion, poor decision-making.

To improve safety, a bleed control box has been installed.  This is not solely for serious crime incidents; it is also valuable for accidents and medical emergencies, particularly given the proximity of the road and previous traffic-related incidents requiring first aid.

We know that many residents value the renewal of the play area.  We have received thoughtful and appreciative letters from a wide range of people, and we continue to listen.  Where practical and lawful, we will always try to accommodate ideas and concerns raised by residents.

Constraints and land ownership

It is important to be clear about our limitations.  The Parish Council leases only the flat section of land for the purpose of play equipment.  West Lancashire Borough Council retains ownership of the remainder of the site and is responsible for grass cutting and wider land management.

This is a public open space and is not continuously supervised.  We hope all users will continue to enjoy the area responsibly and with consideration for nearby residents.