This is why play equipment is being removed from Withy Grove Park in Bamber Bridge

If you go down to the park today, you might be in for a surprise.

South Ribble Borough Council has announced that a range of play equipment is being removed from Withy Grove Park in Bamber Bridge. That includes the tower slide, large sand works pit, large ship climber and slide.

But don't worry, it's all part of planned refurbishment work for damaged or end-of-life equipment.

Click here to read about the new £110,000 tower slide

A spokesman for the council said: "Today, the tower slide, large sand works pit, large ship climber and slide at Withy Grove Park are being removed, ready for the replacement equipment to be installed in the New Year.

"The popular tower slide was damaged following two suspected arson incidents in summer 2022 and has been out of bounds since. The tower slide will be replaced with a £110k state-of-the-art tower slide which will have eight different levels, two slides and boast climbing, agility, balance, group play, sensory and many more great features!

"The large sand works pit, large ship climber and slide have come to the end of their life and cannot be repaired. This equipment will also be replaced with new additions to the play area with more details of this to come soon. A replacement roundabout will be installed in the toddler area in early 2024. We can't wait to show you the new facilities."

Withy Grove Park

For the first time, this year Withy Grove Park has been granted a Green Flag. The park joins Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve, Hurst Grange Park and Worden Park with the title, with Worden achieving the award each year since the accreditation was introduced – the only park outside of London to do so.

The Green Flag Award is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.