24/08/10 - LOS7, Havisham Drive Park Cracks

Local resident Laura Large has raised concerns on Facebook about large cracks that have appeared in Local Open Space 7 (LOS7), Havisham Drive Park, with concerns for her child's safety. The surface has severely cracked with quite wide cracks ranging from 25mm to 75 mm wide in places and up to 750mmm deep. it follows the pattern of the drainage channels.

This is not uncommon in a dry summer, is sodden in winter and bone dry in summer, this combination has killed off most of the trees. The soil must have been particularly high in clay, it shrinks when dry and cracks along the driest 'route' As the drains are the driest, the cracks line up with the drains. It needs back filling with sand so that the 'herringbone' drainage in the field is not ruined.

Currently the open space is still the responsibility of the developers, whilst the fenced in play park is covered by Swindon Borough Council.  With the open space there are quite a few other landscape issues, including the dead trees, dead shrubberies and of course drainage that Swindon Borough Council will also be pushing to be addressed.

Justin Tomlinson MP, "I have taken this up with the North Swindon Development company straight away who have assured me they will deal with this immediately.  I will continue to do all I can to help protect and enhance our open spaces so local children have an opportunity to run around safely."

http://www.justintomlinson.com

Update, work has now been completed....