CONCERNS have been raised over plans to turn part of Darton park in to a car park.
Residents say the council plans to create the car park and access near to the Darby and Joan building, with access from the Co-Op car park on Church Street, and have even marked which trees are set to be removed.
Carol Lindley, 60, of Church Close, said the council had confirmed news of the car park to her when she rang up.
She said: “I have spoken to various people (at the council) and it was confirmed the grass cutting was on hold. They’ve already marked trees for cutting. It has gone further than they are telling us.
“The train station, the Co-Op and the doctor’s surgery all have their own car parks and there is free car parking behind the post office. How many car parks do they think Darton needs?
“We all take our grandchildren in there, there is nowhere else to take them. Old people walk down there, children play down there. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Linda Walsh, 66, of Church Street, said the council should be spending its money on existing car parks, not new ones.
She said: “When I first came to live in Darton, there were disabled car parking bays and now there are none, because the paint has worn off. They ought to be spending money on the carp parks we’ve got, not spending money on new car parks.
“There are young people walking there (in the park), and young families, but they won’t be able to walk on there and let go of their children’s hand.
“It is not feasible what they are proposing.”
Lynda Charlesworth, 63, of Church Close, said there was ample parking in Darton, with motorists often parking outside the Co-op doors instead of the designated car park.
She said: “People are complaining that we don’t have enough parking, but we have four car parks. People park outside the Co-op door on the pavement; there’s parking space for them but they never park there.
“Last Saturday I took my two granddaughters down there (the park) and there was a car coming up and I had to shout at my granddaughters to stop running.”
Coun Jenny Platts, council spokesman for communities, said: “Darton park was identified as part of the council’s Principal Towns project to improve facilities and public areas across Barnsley.
“Consultation with residents, community groups, businesses and councillors in the local area identified two reoccurring themes: a lack of car parking for people visiting the park, and the potential to develop the park offer for families and young people.
“A plan is being developed for the park with suggestions including woodland and wildflower areas, picnic areas, a multi-use games area, additional play equipment, a cycling track, and pathways to make the park more accessible. Once complete, this plan will be shared with the local community and people will be invited to comment on it.
“Additionally, to improve safety and access, a new parking area near the entrance will prevent visitors from driving further in to the park which is currently an issue, and the entrance road will be widened to provide a two way street.”
