14/01/2011 03:00 PM
A community group says perimeter security fencing would make a park in Hull fit to be used by everyone.
Recent changes to the city's West Park have sparked controversy, with some residents claiming it is a "forgotten park" that overly favours Hull City Football Club.
A new entrance and lighting have prompted criticism, with some saying the features look like "old trawler parts", This Is Hull & East Riding reports.
Karen Rouse-Deane, of the Community Residents’ Action Group, told the newspaper the new changes do not match the plans originally released to the public.
She said two roads that lead straight to the KC Stadium split the parkland in two, reducing park users' enjoyment and only serving fans of Hull FC.
Ms Rouse-Deane told the news provider that the changes had not been designed to make the park suitable for everyone.
"If this was about creating an environment for everyone, why isn't there a perimeter fence?"
"Children can easily run out on to Anlaby Road, which is always busy. It is a real mess, a forgotten park," she said.
But Jacqui Gay, spokeswoman for Gateway, the regeneration specialist behind the range of £7 million improvements, said it was "designed to restore the original Victorian splendour".
"We felt the stadium and park were two separate entities and this project was designed to integrate the two and aid connectivity to the stadium," she told the news provider.
A security barrier will be in operation to keep fans separate when Sunderland play Newcastle at the weekend.
Recent changes to the city's West Park have sparked controversy, with some residents claiming it is a "forgotten park" that overly favours Hull City Football Club.
A new entrance and lighting have prompted criticism, with some saying the features look like "old trawler parts", This Is Hull & East Riding reports.
Karen Rouse-Deane, of the Community Residents’ Action Group, told the newspaper the new changes do not match the plans originally released to the public.
She said two roads that lead straight to the KC Stadium split the parkland in two, reducing park users' enjoyment and only serving fans of Hull FC.
Ms Rouse-Deane told the news provider that the changes had not been designed to make the park suitable for everyone.
"If this was about creating an environment for everyone, why isn't there a perimeter fence?"
"Children can easily run out on to Anlaby Road, which is always busy. It is a real mess, a forgotten park," she said.
But Jacqui Gay, spokeswoman for Gateway, the regeneration specialist behind the range of £7 million improvements, said it was "designed to restore the original Victorian splendour".
"We felt the stadium and park were two separate entities and this project was designed to integrate the two and aid connectivity to the stadium," she told the news provider.
A security barrier will be in operation to keep fans separate when Sunderland play Newcastle at the weekend.
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