Cornwall is a beautiful county – known for its stunning beaches, surf scene, gorgeous countryside and of course, its cream teas (jam first!).
But according to its residents, it’s also known for something else less well known… rubbish playgrounds.
A competition almost started after a housing association play area was dubbed ‘the crappest in Cornwall’, but people claim they’ve seen playgrounds which are worse.
Members of a local town council in Marazion called the playground installed by LiveWest housing association ‘shameful’ and an ’embarrassment’.
It is certainly no Disneyland resort – featuring a wonky slide, a rope trampoline and some wooden stepping stones. It’s also overgrown with weeds, and features some rather rude graffiti.
Councillor Richard Stokoe told Cornwall Live: ‘When we arrived in the playground, we felt very depressed.
‘Who’s going to play on it? How do you play on it? It’s not exactly a thrill a minute. We think we’ve got the crappest playground in Cornwall. I’d like to know if anywhere else in Cornwall can match it for crappiness. It isn’t exactly Alton Towers.’
Locals across Cornwall responded to Mr Stokoe’s calls, with Michelle Dean saying a playground at Penn an Dre, off Highertown, in Truro is ‘the worst’ and is ‘totally crap’.
Many people seemed to take issue with Truro housing estate playgrounds in general.
One play area has been placed by the busy A39 road in Truro. It features a climbing frame and two sets of swings which stand beneath an imposing power line, next to a danger sign saying ‘no kite flying’.
Local Jon Baylis joked the mains power cables are ‘a great touch’, and Keda Louise Upson believes there is ‘literally no point’ of the playground existing.
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Also in Truro is the Malpas estate, where there’s another ‘crappy’ park which features a unique piece of equipment – a lethal-looking slide.
A dad described this playground as ‘sad-looking and tired’.
Meanwhile, Bev Crowell took issue with the playground at Berries Avenue, Bude, which she says has ‘no swing, no slide and just a rubbish climbing thing’.
But Dan Smith hit out at the moaners and said: ‘Better than nothing though isn’t it. Most estates haven’t got a park for miles, so think yourself lucky.’
Rubbish playgrounds can also be found elsewhere in the country.
One London mum said in July her local playground feels unsafe because there is dog poo everywhere.
Kingston Council said parts of the playground need repairing and blamed a contractor for the delays.
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