Families are furious after a council stripped a field of all its play equipment without warning.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has removed the swings and climbing frame from Bridgett Pool, in Trent Vale, after claiming the equipment was not up to standard.
But parents have hit out at the removal of the equipment and say they want it back.
Some have spoken to Stoke-on-Trent Live about how children have played there for decades, and how the play area became crucial for youngsters during the Covid pandemic.
Families are instead being told to use newer play equipment at nearby Mace Street.
The equipment at Bridgett Pool, which is also known as Beaver Close Park, was removed on Tuesday, May 17.
Staff nurse Evie Mamali, 36, said: "There was a playground there and they came on Tuesday and started taking the swings and everything out. The workmen said it was about anti-social behaviour and things like that.
"I mentioned how important it is for people with young children and how annoyed we were. They said it was about health and safety and that they would get back to me with more information but they haven’t said anything more to us yet.
"The playground is really, really important - and in this area it is the only one. Children from around the area come here and in the pandemic it kept the children really happy.
"My boys were really shocked to see the swings coming up. It’s been here for many, many years. It needed an update and we thought they were going to replace the swings. But the most important thing is they did not tell us. We believe it’s an ideal place for a playground."
Neighbour June Bushin says the council turned up in three vehicles to remove the equipment.
The 78-year-old said: "They just said that they had come to remove the park because they’d had anti-social behaviour. Our children have played there. It’s a crying shame."
Barbara Nihill's children once played on the playground - and her grandchildren had been using it.
The 67-year-old said: "It’s disgraceful. The kids have been there playing and then the council has taken it away - and the little ones are stuck in the back garden. It’s the kids that are suffering. The council ought to be ashamed of themselves."
Rachel Hughes, aged 49, said: "We have been here 15 years and my daughter has played on it since she was one. It’s just a shame."
The council has defended its decision. It has also praised its play areas at Mace Street and Central Forest Park.
Councillor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have found that some play equipment in the Bridgett Pool playground is not to the standard that we would accept in our play areas so we have taken the decision to remove it. New and improved facilities are available a short distance away at Mace Street.
"The refurbishment of Central Forest Park is complete and looking great and works to Westport Lake play area are also about to start - meaning we will have some great new facilities at both sites. The continuation of replacing surfaces and any rotten equipment continues throughout the summer and autumn and will see many playgrounds improved.”
