Nantwich councillors clash over town parks funding

Town councillors have clashed over funding for two of Nantwich’s parks which both need a serious upgrade after years of neglect.

Cllr Anna Burton unveiled plans last month for a potential £100,000 major refurbishment of Barony Park play area.

The upgrade included £47,000 of Section 106 money and further contributions from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) via the Nantwich Town Council and contributions from Nantwich Partnership.

Designs were unveiled on Nantwich News and are out to public consultation, with plans to seek further funding.

However,  Cllr Geoff Smith tabled a Notice of Motion at Thursday night’s town council meeting, now calling for all the £27,000 CIL money to go to Brookfield Park.

In a vote by the town council in November 2024, it was agreed to split the CIL money between the two parks.

But councillors say at the time they were unaware of the extra Section 106 money for Barony.

Cllr Smith’s Notice of Motion stated that Brookfield also requires significant improvement, including new and inclusive play equipment, an improved entrance from Wellington Road, and improved access to the community garden.

And it sparked a heated debate as Cllr Burton said the notice put in jeopardy the plans for Barony Park.

But Cllr Smith said: “This is a supportive motive and the key outcome is to support both parks. In terms of impact, both parks are critical. The money is there for the Barony, now we need to have money for Brookfield.”

Cllr Kim Jamson supported the motion, adding: “I’m not getting into an argument about which is more deserving, the fact is both parks have been left for years and years and both are in need of improving.”

But Cllr Burton, spearheading the Barony project, said the CIL money was from the Kingsbourne housing estate in the North and West ward where Barony Park sits.

She added: “I voted last year to share the CIL money with the South ward, so this motion has upset me in light of that.

“Barony Park is on the red list – 30 years without any repairs or upgrade, and the plans are based on the CIL and Section 106 funds.

“But this motion puts that plan in jeopardy. To direct that money away, I’m really disappointed that this has been brought to the town council. The timing of this after we have gone out to the community is particularly upsetting.”

Other councillors weighed into the debate, with Cllr O’Hara and Cllr Priest both supporting the motion for more CIL money to Brookfield, while Cllr Kirkham and Cllr Bostock backed the current Barony plans.

Cllr Priest added: “The facts are both parks are dilapidated and an embarrassment to the town. But we should equalise the amount of money between both parks.”

Earlier in the meeting, resident and director of Direct Access Steven Mifsud spoke to councillors, saying: “Barony Park is the principal recreational area for Nantwich. It serves countless families, especially those attending football matches and other community events.

“The playground is a vital resource for toddlers and young children during these times. To now learn that a motion has been proposed to divert £10,000-£15,000 away from this project is deeply concerning.

“This reduction in funding not only jeopardises the quality and inclusivity of the new playground, but it also undermines the trust and goodwill of the public who engaged in the consultation process in good faith.”

A council vote on the motion ended seven for and seven against. Mayor Cllr Mary Slinn had the casting vote, and voted against the motion.

She said: “It’s such an emotive area and Cheshire East should be using the money they spend on other parks in the borough on ours in Nantwich.

“But I do believe the CIL money should be split between the parks and we should look to Cheshire East to get more money and fight for our parks so they can wave the green flag with pride.”