Uncertainty surrounds the future of the children’s playground at Bangor’s Garth Pier.
The playground, which has been used by children for generations, is currently closed due to health and safety reasons, and could be demolished to make way for an ice cream kiosk and seating area.
Umberto Sicignano, owner at Torna a Surriento, Italian Restaurant on Bangor High Street, has recently taken on the lease of the restaurant adjacent to the pier and has spoken about his plans to redevelop the playground.
In a Facebook post Umberto said: “We as a family asked the city council Bangor and Gwynedd to have the playground available to make a new kiosk for families, where we will provide authentic Italian ice cream, homemade sandwiches, pizza, frappes and a coffee bar.
“We would like to create many new job opportunities and above all restore a new splendour to the pier by attracting many families creating new opportunities for other businesses by providing tables and benches.
“We can understand that there are many nostalgic people of the past with many memories but in light of the facts right now and looking carefully at the rides in the playground are really battered and dangerous for children because they are made of iron and all corroded and certainly it is not enough to do a simple painting as someone says.
“We are waiting for a decision of the city and Gwynedd council to understand and also whatever they decide the important that they remove all those gates that approach the restaurant before the opening of the new restaurant that will take place around March and April .
“If they decide to move the playground to another site on the pier we will be really happy to help, even economically, since there are many sites to build a safe playground for children.”
The matter was raised at a recent meeting of Bangor City Council and while councillors would be sorry to see the play area removed, some acknowledged that the equipment was in very poor condition and would be a burden on the Council.
A report into the condition of the park equipment stated that only minor work was required but the main concern was the safety matting in the play area as it was deemed as not being not fit for use.
While councillors were generally supportive of the restaurant placing tables in the area, two councillors objected to the prospect of losing another playground in the city. A final decision is yet to be made.
Bangor City Council have been approached for a comment.
