A LIBERAL Democrat has slammed what he claims is the council's "disgusting lack of interest" in a children's adventure playground.

Marshalls Cross councillor John Beirne claims he has written letters urging action to re-open Gerrards Lane playground in Sutton which closed due to lack of funds. But the council say it's nothing to do with them.

He said: "The council's lack of interest in this matter is disgusting. It started five years ago when the grant awarded to the playground was stopped and last year, they demanded a new lease and for rent to be paid by the management committee. Now they have closed this much-loved children's playground meaning that hundreds of schoolchildren will lose out this summer.

"Every night, youths break into the playground and it is becoming completely destroyed by vandalism - it will soon be beyond repair."

However, a spokesperson for St Helens Council totally refuted Councillor Beirne's claims and denied that the playground was even their responsibility.

She told the Star: "Gerrard's Lane playground is owned and funded by a private firm - the council are only the leasers. In addition, there are still legal matters outstanding, regarding the tenancy agreement."

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