Pictured: The ‘joyless’ playground in Stockport (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Residents living close to a so-called children’s play area consisting only of a bin have labelled it ‘pointless,’ claiming that the spot serves merely as a ‘dog toilet. ‘
The inconspicuous park, nestled at the intersection of two bustling streets in the densely populated Edgeley neighbourhood of Stockport, near its boundary with Cheadle Heath, has long perplexed locals due to its utter lack of playground fixtures — or any other facilities.
Positioned on the corner of Avondale Road and St Lesmo Road, the site, recognised as Scholars Green 1, is defined as a Local Area of Play (LAP) by Stockport Council documents, intended as ‘small landscaped areas designed for young children’.
Signage indicates that it caters to kids up to six years of age, yet it curiously boasts only a small, well-trodden patch of astroturf shaped like a cloverleaf, adorned with barely discernible coloured figures likely intended for hopping games.
Enclosed by lofty trees, the green space features prominent ‘No ball games’ signs, with one gate locked shut, and warnings at both entrances declaring dogs unwelcome.
The Scholars Green LAP 1 play area in Stockport (Image: Manchester Evening News)
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Stockport Council contends that play equipment was removed and ball games were prohibited following anxieties about anti-social conduct.
Nevertheless, frequent visitors and neighbouring inhabitants comment that, void of child-friendly amenities, the area has become a haven where dog owners can freely exercise their pets and allow them to relieve themselves, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Viji Radhesh, 40, a mother to a nine-year-old boy and a four-year resident of the area, questioned the usability of the space for children, saying, “It is very small for the children to use. I don’t know what they could do?
“It’s basically a dog park. People are letting them run around. Maybe the dogs are enjoying it but I don’t think any children are. I don’t think I have ever seen any children in there. I suppose dogs need somewhere to go.”
The small park in Stockport serves virtually no purpose, according to locals (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Another resident who lives nearby and wished to remain anonymous commented: “It’s a bit pointless. My kids are 11 and 14 and have probably been in it once or twice all the years we’ve been here. There’s no play equipment so I’m not sure who it’s aimed at.
“I’m not sure if its hopscotch or whatever painted on the ground but it’s 2025, who do you see playing hopscotch in this day and age? It’s mainly used for people walking their dogs.
“I know they’re technically not allowed but no one pays any attention to it. It’s for dogs and people lurking about, that’s it.”
Signage seen in the playground (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A neighbour said: “It’s essentially a dog toilet. It’s like a taxi rank, you see them queueing and going in, one-in, one-out. At one point, a few years ago, the council came and put a big sign up saying ‘no dogs’ then took it down a few days later.
“I would say it’s pointless. I wouldn’t take a kid in there because of all the dogs. But I suppose you could ask what else is it going to be? I think they were just ticking a box when they put it there.”
Locals said the play area was created when a new housing estate was built around 15 years ago, and they believe it may have been a requirement to include some green space alongside it.
Signage in the park indicating that the ‘play area’ is for children under 6 (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A local woman, who has been a resident of the area for over 30 years, shared her views on the park with no equipment on Scholars Drive: “It has become a small dog park. There’s dogs on it everyday. You don’t see many kids in there but we’ve never really had any problem with it.”
She added: “We have lived here 30 years. It was created when the houses were built, 15 or 16 years ago, out of the playground of the old school that was there. So it has always been there. I think it’s maybe to do with the trees and conservation.”
Meanwhile, the woman’s neighbour commented on the situation, saying: “When you get new build estates you often see parks like that. I think it was a box-ticking exercise.”
Ward councillor Matt Wynne, representing the Edgeley Community Association, highlighted the lack of funds for the area: “Unlike nearby Bonar, Alex and Cheadle Heath Park we believe this area has no budget attached to it for infrastructure improvements.
One of the park’s gates is locked shut (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Scholars Green LAP1 on the corner of Avondale Road and St Lesmo Road in Edgeley, Stockport (Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We do think there needs to be more flexibility with the policy arrangements so these little public spaces get the look in they require.”
Stockport Council expressed its openness to community feedback regarding the use of such spaces and said it is ‘always willing to listen to residents’. Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways, and Transport Services, said: “We know how important local green spaces are to residents, and Scholar’s Green in Edgeley is no exception.
“The play area was originally provided by developers, but over the years, concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour and ball games. In response, former ward councillors took steps to address these issues, including removing static play equipment and installing ‘no ball games’ signs.
“We recognise this remains a valued community space, and we’re committed and always willing to listen if residents have thoughts about how the space could be better used.”