A campaigner who is fighting to save a threatened former play area said over 120 residents have raised concerns about plans to sell the ‘much-loved’ village space.

The play area at The Pen, at Stone Lane and High Street, in New Whittington, has been temporarily closed

Campaigning resident Tracy Poole said: “This space has always been an asset to our local area, providing an invaluable recreational ground for the children and parents of New and Old Whittington.”

Cllr Paul Holmes said he and fellow Lib Dem councillors distributed two thousand leaflets in the neighbourhood to highlight what is planned and to warn people they only have until October 30 to submit views to the council.

Concerned Chesterfield Borough Council Lib Dem Cllrs Barry Bingham, Left, And Paul Holmes, Right, At A Former Play Area In New Whittington Which Has Been Earmarked By The Labour Led Council For Sale.

placeholder image — Concerned Chesterfield Borough Council Lib Dem Cllrs Barry Bingham, Left, And Paul Holmes, Right, At A Former Play Area In New Whittington Which Has Been Earmarked By The Labour Led Council For Sale.

They claim The Pen was well used for football and as a place where youngsters learned to cycle and they are also concerned any sale could see the loss of nearby trees on High Street.

Cllr Barry Bingham, who oversees New Whittington, and Cllr Holmes, have questioned claims by the council that it would cost £100,000 to bring the play area back into use.

Both councillors and campaigners say they want to know why the council is selling The Pen and whether it has considered alternatives for the site.

Cllr Holmes added: “People have said they would volunteer to help restore the site to use. The area has been ‘temporarily closed’ for sometime due to a boundary wall leaning and posing a danger of collapse.”

The Former Play Area, The Pen, Off Stone Lane, New Whittington, Chesterfield. Courtesy Of Tracy Poole.

He added: “This land was donated by Staveley Works for the use of residents in New Whittington. Over many years it has been well used and many older adults today have fond memories of playing there and of taking their own children there.”

Chesterfield Borough Council stated that there are two alternative play areas to The Pen at Brearley Park, and off Devonshire Avenue North and Albert Road.

Ms Poole said:“If only they had invested little and often, they wouldn’t be facing such a large cost now. So instead of getting The Pen up and running again, the powers that be intend to market the land, potentially for development, subject to planning permissions.”

A Chesterfield Borough Council spokesperson said: “We understand that the loss of any play space is likely to cause concerns among the local community. The Pen has been closed to the public and secured for at least two years because of serious safety concerns around the retaining wall. We are currently exploring options for the future use of this land and a decision to sell has not been taken.

Pictured Is The Former Play Area, The Pen, Off Stone Lane, New Whittington, Chesterfield. Courtesy Of Tracy Poole.

“Our estimate of £100,000 to reopen The Pen reflects the cost of carrying out the essential works to make it safe for the community to enjoy, this would include replacing the retaining wall, removing vegetation, installing a new surface and new goalposts.

“In considering the future of the site, the council will need to take account of the costs of these works alongside community views, safety requirements and the availability of other nearby play facilities. Within a short walk of the site there are facilities at Brearley Park and another play space on Albert Road, both of which provide more space to play, along with dedicated equipment.”