TALKS over replacing broken play equipment in Cae Glas Park has led to a request to identify a new location for Oswestry's new splash park.

The decision to replace a netted climbing frame in the park’s play area was put to Oswestry town councillors at Wednesday’s meeting.

Operations manager Henry Teuma recommended replacing the frame at around £13,000 as part of his estates report to councillors.

However, while his recommendation was approved, deputy mayor Councillor Mike Isherwood, with an amendment to motions from Cllrs Frank Davies and Sam Chadwick, tied up requests that the equipment be replaced and for a swing for wheelchair users also be added.

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Cllr Les Maguire also requested that another quote to try to beat the £13,000 be found by Mr Teuma, with all councillors voting in support.

But Cllr Duncan Kerr also offered a motion asking for town clerk Arren Roberts to investigate whether an alternative location for the splash park could be found within Cae Glas.

He called the intended location for the park – the play area in Cae Glas Park – ‘problematic’.

He also called for Mr Roberts to consider a scheme that does not recycle the water back into the splash area but for other areas of the park.

Mr Roberts told councillors that he would have to call on external support if he was to make a report, while some councillors felt that Cllr Kerr’s motion was unnecessary.

However, the Green Party leader said that it was ‘relevant’ because ‘we’re making decisions on the playground and hope to use the play area for the splash pad’.

He also raised a point of order against Cllr Maguire after the Conservative councillor told the meeting that a ‘lot of money had been spent on the splash park’.

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Cllr Kerr accused him of misleading the council and said that the only money that had been spent was for a ground survey after a sinkhole appeared in the play area.

Cllr Maguire said that was what he meant and apologised for his clumsy wording; however, he asked the meeting whether a second ground survey would be needed for a new location which was not ruled out by Mr Roberts.

The splash park motion was backed by councillors with all bar Cllrs Maguire, Davis and John Price voting for it, while Cllrs Paul Milner and James Owen abstained.