Anchorsholme Park update after horror blaze amid £10k fund and cafe plans

The overhaul of a play area torched in a mindless vandal attack is still on schedule, insists Blackpool Council after ward councillors hit out at delays.

The much-loved play ship in Anchorsholme Park was destroyed in the incident on December 28 last year, causing thousands of pounds of damage and much anger and upset in the community.

Local Conservative councillors pledged to get the park’s play area upgraded with new replacement equipment and the Friends of Anchorsholme Park charity committed £10,000 towards the park and surrounding security to help get the restoration project moving.

But this week Anchorsholme councillors Paul Galley and Anita Cooper, along with Norbreck member Julie Sloman, said the council was dragging its feet over its promise to push ahead with the scheme – and they demanded firm dates.

However, Labour-led Blackpool Council says the project was always intended for an Easter 2027 completion in late March and says it has fully committed to all aspects of the project, including its promised involvement of local schoolchildren.

Cllr Galley said: “Residents are frustrated and, quite rightly, they are asking us when things are actually going to happen.

“Since the fire, residents have faced broken equipment, safety concerns, uncertainty over the future of the cafe as it closes and mounting frustration over promises that have yet to deliver the visible transformation the community desperately wants.

“We are constantly fighting to get the Council to meet deadlines and deliver on promises that have been made.

“We want firm dates, clear milestones and action.

“But we also want to be positive. We genuinely believe there is a fantastic opportunity to turn this situation around and create a rejuvenated Anchorsholme Park that the whole community can be proud of.

“We want to work with Blackpool Council to make sure that this contribution helps unlock real progress, particularly around improving the park and strengthening security around the area.”

The Councillors are calling on Blackpool Council to commit publicly to the full implementation of the promised overhaul, including:

*Replacement of the playground equipment destroyed in the arson attack.

*Repair or removal of all broken and unsafe equipment.

*Ensuring the playground and surrounding facilities are completely safe.

*A firm timetable for the new playground design, consultation, procurement and installation.

*Improvements to the wider park environment and appropriate security measures to protect the park and its facilities.

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The future of Anchorsholme Park isn’t being left to chance, as Cllr Galley well knows.

“We all want the same thing – to create a vibrant, safe and appealing park. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to achieve this, and we have kept both the ward councillors up to speed on this. We’ve been clear throughout that Easter 2027 is when the play park will reopen.

“As promised, local schoolchildren have been involved in helping to shape the vision for the new playground.

“Their ideas have been included in a detailed design brief that will be issued to playground specialists, to ensure the new facility reflects what local children and families want from their park.

“Our aim is to create a high-quality, inclusive, and resilient space that offers exciting play opportunities for children of different ages and abilities, to be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.

“While a final construction timetable has not yet been confirmed, the project continues to move forward with the intention of reopening the refurbished playground for Easter 2027. This programme and all the work done so far is in line with what we set out to the ward councillors from the start.

“We understand that the current condition of the playground is disappointing for children and families, particularly during the summer holidays. We share the community’s frustration and appreciate residents’ patience while work progresses to bring the playground back into use.

“The generous pledge of £10,000 from the Friends Of group is much appreciated.”

She added: “Regarding Brew café, we are looking to outsource the running of this space from September. The intention is for the café to be delivered in a similar way to those at Stanley Park and the Solaris Centre, offering an exciting opportunity for a commercial vendor.”