We're in deep trouble

WHEN children in East Pilton were told they were getting a new play park, they certainly didn't expect it to include a swimming pool.

But their brand new play area has turned into a water world after the recent bout of severe weather, sparking concerns among local residents that children could be in danger of drowning.

The council-owned East Pilton play park, which has been undergoing a full revamp since last summer, is being built slightly below ground level, meaning a large pool forms every time it rains.

In recent weeks, rainwater has been filling and spilling over the area, with residents estimating that some parts are around 12 inches deep.

A council spokeswoman said it was aware of a drainage issue and would be tackling the problem.

One local, Marie Hobbs, said she was deeply concerned for her seven grandchildren.

She said: "It really is dreadful and you have to worry for the kids around here. It looks like a water park at the moment and it isn't cordoned off, which you would think was a health and safety issue. It's very risky, especially for younger kids. Children are still hanging around the area after school. I would estimate the water is around 12 inches deep in some parts. It's dirty water too.

"I think it's a very bad design. They have built the park below ground level, so whenever it rains it fills up with water. The whole thing seems like a dreadful waste of money to me."

Her husband, James Hobbs, added: "Who designed a kids' play area that is below the surrounding grass park area? The workmen have so far spent six months on this project digging a huge hole then back filling several tons of wood chip, which has been compacted so much that nothing drains away.

"Health and safety would normally close something like this down as a danger to the public. How long will it be before someone drowns? The surrounding area at this moment is a mud bath and the public footpath is again impassable due to flooding."

It is believed that the park was completely flooded around two weeks ago.

A council spokeswoman said there was a drainage problem in the park that had been heightened by recent bad weather.

She said: "We are aware of a drainage problem and are currently investigating how best to solve it. Steps will be taken to sort the problem once the weather improves."