Southwell: Imperial Gardens play area off Halam Road re-opens to the public

Children can now head to their local park to blow off some steam built up during the pandemic.

Imperial Gardens play area, off Halam Road, Southwell, was fenced off in March last year due to government coronavirus rules.

And, despite being allowed to re-open after the government changed its guidance in June, it remained closed.

However, after several weeks of community campaigning, including support from councillors at Newark and Sherwood District Council and Robert Jenrick’s constituency office, the area re-opened on Monday.

A father who used to regularly take his child to the park said it shouldn’t have taken the time it did to re-open again, but that he was glad it finally had.

James Dixon said: “For almost a year my daughter had to walk past a fenced-off play area, which was heartbreaking. I understand everything is more tricky because of coronavirus, but it shouldn’t have taken more than six months to take down the fences.

“Outdoor activity and exercise are so important at the moment for children’s health and mental health. Having this local facility open again will be very welcome.”