Swings removed after another child is injured
CONTROVERSIAL swings have been removed from two Grimsby parks after yet another accident.
Eleven-year-old Shane Downey suffered a broken leg after being hit by the swing in the Duke Of York Gardens on the West Marsh.
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Shane Downey, 11, in bed at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital in Grimsby after breaking his leg following a collision with the swing at the Duke Of York Gardens on the West Marsh.
It comes after the Grimsby Telegraph reported two incidents last year in which children broke their arms after falling from the swing, leading to calls for it to be removed.
Following this latest injury, North East Lincolnshire Council has taken it down while it carries out an investigation.
A similar swing in Weelsby Woods has also been removed after an incident in which a woman broke her arm.
Shane's mum Dawn believes the swing was an accident waiting to happen.
She said: "The swing is like a big dome and I think it's far too heavy, especially when there are a lot of children sitting on it.
"He saw the swing come towards him and he put his foot up to stop it. My son is 11, but what if a toddler ran out?"
Shane, who spent 17 days in hospital, said: "I play in the West Marsh Fair Play League and the injury means I'm not going to be able to play football for about a year now, which is sad.
"I think the swing is very dangerous and I think it is good that they have removed it."
Paul Thornton, who regularly takes his children to the park, said: "I can't believe it was allowed there in the first place and it shouldn't be allowed back.
"It was dangerous for kids and, unless used under constant supervision, it shouldn't be allowed."
Glenn Greetham, head of neighbourhood operations at NELC, said: "I want to reassure the family and the wider community that the council is undertaking a full investigation in to this incident.
"As a precautionary measure, until a full investigation has been completed to identify the causes of the accident, the two items of play equipment currently installed within the Duke Of York Gardens and Weelsby Woods have been removed from use."
19 Comments
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by lauren, Grimsby
Sunday, June 21 2009, 6:18PM
“Poor lad . Hope he gets better soon . We all like to think that we can have a good time at the park and enjoy ourselfs, but there are always dangers anywhere you go . This was not his fault . As i've seen many kids piling onto the swing, it becomes a big danger to other people.”
by d, Grimsby
Sunday, June 21 2009, 6:12PM
“Hope shane gets better soon . Was a really bad accident and he is a really Sensible lad !”
by sarah, grimsby
Thursday, June 18 2009, 10:04PM
“this is a bit silly sniping at each other over a swing ... although i had to giggle because some of the comments are funny!!!
At the end of the day it is a shame the lil lad broke his leg ... but that could happen anywhere... for instance
1. falling off a bike
2. falling down the stairs
3. car accident
4. playing football/or any sport to a degree
5. roller blading
I could go on for more but I think that gets the point accross.
so basically all we need to do is ... pull the house down, take the car away and take away every enjoyment a child has.
My little lad always has bumps and bruises and he isnt even two yet ... and thats just from running and falling over!! am I supposed to take that away from him???
People hurt themselves on the swing when they throw it up too high or if unfortunately they do get in the way of it ... I know my toddler certainly wouldnt get the chance to get anywhere near in the way of it because i wouldnt allow it ... but I certainly wouldnt want to take it away from the children who are enjoying playing it.
If we took away everything that is a threat we would have nothing left.”
by Betty, Holton le Clay
Thursday, June 18 2009, 4:39PM
“It is a shame that the swing in Weelsby Woods has been removed. My 8 year old daughter loved using it - in a contolled manner with other younger children. However I have seen how dangerous it can be. Near misses with toddlers running about and younger children slipping inside the swing, not really enjoying themselves. The trouble is the older children have abused it by swinging it too hard and high and for far too long. I certainly wouldn't try to stop it with my foot at any speed! Hopefully it will be replaced with 4 normal swings and at least you still have enjoyment of the arial slide.”
by dw, gy
Thursday, June 18 2009, 4:12PM
“yes get rid of the slides as well in case any one slips on one.I have lost count on how many times I have fallen of a swing or fell of the bottom of a slide as a kid.Most activities that involved being outside and away from the xbox will involve a small risk.Now to me looking back on my youth a swing was made of 2 vertical ropes or chains and a seat hung between them.now if you fall off its because you where not holding on.Now if my lad breaks a bone on a swing and the swing had not broken.ie chain breaks or seat. then all I would do is get him to A&E and get him patched up.Or is it a case your daily viewing of Jeremy Kyle has been messed up because the child is at home off sick or you have to take time off work and your tax credits might get messed up”