Fun and games again as vital Jarrow play spot re-opens - nearly one year on from closure

Beleaguered residents faced park strife at Foxhomes estate, in Jarrow, for months after gang of bored children ran amok when a popular play spot was sealed off due to health and safety concerns last May.

But they have won vital respite after the multi-use Games Area was given a new lease of life and re-opened in time for the Easter holidays thanks to a £10,000 cash boost.

The Home Group, which used to manage the space, gave South Tyneside Council the funds to repair the court and spruce it up after closing the site last year due to it falling into disrepair.

New line markings and equipment have been installed and the council will now be responsible for maintaining the area in the future.

The happy news is a far cry from last summer, when residents were besieged by restless youngsters running wild – with children jumping on car bonnets, destroying fences and bushes and filling the play spot with rubbish.

Margaret Welsh, from the Foxhomes estate, is delighted that its fun and games again for young people.

Mrs Welsh, 63, said: “The park was closed for nearly a year and we had so many problems with children as they had nothing else to do.

“I have already told the children they better look after the park. It really looks lovely

Councillor Tracey Dixon, lead member for area management and community safety, said: “Now that this space has been returned to the council and had a face-lift, I’m sure it will become a valuable community asset.”