Ken Skates AM wants play area for ‘forgotten village’ Penley

Residents in Wrexham’s ‘forgotten village’ have called on the council to deliver the play area their children were promised.

Parents in Penley say they are sick of waiting for Morris Homes to stick to their side of the deal after being given permission to build the huge Penmere Park development near the Maelor School, and are being supported by their AM Ken Skates.

Villagers say Wrexham Council isn’t doing enough to make the company honour their pledge.

Local mum Jenny Miller said: “We feel we have been misled. Morris Homes stated that they would incorporate a new children’s play area into the estate, but this appears to have been forgotten about. Despite many years of complaining to our local councillor, Lloyd Kenyon, nothing has been done for the children in the area. Children have a right have a safe area to play and socialise, but as usual Penley is the forgotten village.”

Another campaigner and mum, Emma Oulton, added: “I’m disgusted. I have seen first-hand the hard work and dedication that some of our residents have put in over the years to campaign and raise money, yet neither the council nor Morris Homes have put anything in place or given us any reassurance.”

Mr Skates, Welsh Labour AM for Clwyd South, said: “The play area the people of Penley were promised is one of a number of important local issues I have taken up for them. Morris Homes have no doubt made a tidy profit from these houses, so it’s time for them to stick to their side of the deal.

“I have contacted Wrexham Council over this and hope they will ensure this play park becomes a reality in the very near future.”

In the council’s response to Mr Skates, head of planning Lawrence Isted confirmed that one of the conditions of the Penmere Park development being approved “requires the provision within the open space area of a toddlers’ play area and additional formal play equipment within a timescale to be agreed with the local planning authority”.

Mr Isted continued: “Morris Homes have been asked to provide details of the play equipment that will be installed so that the council can determine if it will be of an acceptable standard. To date these details have not been forthcoming. I have contacted Morris Homes restating my request for these details to be submitted. I hope this matter will be will be resolved in the near future.”