Southampton mum's anger at exposed nails and loose drains in Chase About play area

Emma Gargaro, from Mansbridge, said she worries that "kids could get seriously hurt" after finding exposed nails, rotten wood, and loose drains.

The mum-of-three, who visits Chase About play area off Itchen View with her youngest son, hopes the site will be closed while repairs are made so children can play safely. 

Southampton City Council plans to revamp the park next year - but Emma says the playground needs to be fixed quickly. 

READ MORE: Petition to revamp Freemantle Common play area in Southampton attracts no signatures

She said: "I work as a carer so looking at this from a safety standpoint I would condemn the site.

"A kid (could) get their eye poked out from the nails or could trip and break their leg.

"This is the only place for kids to play in the area so for it to be this unfit is terrible.

"I would bring my youngest here and my grandchild too but I have to tell him not to play on some of the playground.

"It's sad really because some parents won't even let their kids go to the park." 

Emma said the park has been in disrepair since she moved to the area 14 years ago and "rarely" gets council action. 

Kelly Lucas from the Mansbridge Community Association said: "To be able to get the help we need for this park we need at least six people to join a friends of the park group.

"Most people in the area don't have the time to go to meetings and make the changes ourselves so we are at the mercy of the council.

"What we really need is a whole new park but we are never going to get that so what we can hope is for these repairs to be made fast before any child gets hurt."

The council will be revamping the park as part of a wider scheme.

Councillor for Swaythling, Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Health, Adults and Leisure said: "It is a well-loved playground that will have refurbishments next year.

"In the meantime, it will be maintained to keep it safe for everyone so the park can be enjoyed."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook