The removal of chains is usually celebrated in society. But not always, it seems, if they are those which used to surround Ruddington’s historic village green!
As you can see, perimeter posts now stand with nothing in-between after the decorative but spiky links were taken down in an apparent health and safety move by Ruddington Parish Council.
Commenting on Ruddington’s Facebook page resident Nicholas Broadberry said “50 years of chains and countless kids falling over them and now they take them down . What a sad silly world we now live in.”
However it seems the decision may have been triggered by an incident there a few weeks ago. Replying to social media speculation, Helen Wilkinson revealed “It was my child that slipped and fell on them after she lost her footing on some mud. A spike punctured her skin and left a huge wound behind her knee. This had to be closed and stitched under general anaesthetic and she is now left with a big scar. I am grateful for the council for their prompt response in removing them. Let me be clear that I have not taken this action to claim any compensation from the Council. I have done it to avoid any further injuries.”
Ruddington Parish Council has so far declined to comment on any such incident. However RUDDINGTON.info understands there were concerns that the chains were old, going rusty, and that there were sections missing. This apparently prompted their removal a few weeks ago. It seems the Parish Council is now seeing how it goes without the chains before deciding if they will be replaced and, if so, with what.
Lucy Pickle backed the council’s move saying “I saw the injury and am pleased that anything that could cause that much lasting damage has been removed. One person injured in the pursuit of an aesthetic is too many.”
Lisa Barnaby commented “I personally feel the green is nowhere near as pretty as it could be and should have some time / effort / money spent on it. It could then be utilised much more. Maybe this is an opportunity to look at this space and make it better. Also I’d either remove the posts or replace with rope or a chain without spikes … not leave a job half done.”
Matt Dale agreed that rope might be a better idea. However he added “I wouldn’t wish an injury on anyone but the world will never be a perfectly safe place. I have to agree this is an overreaction.”
As for utilising this village facility more? Well, there’s already set to be another Ruddington Beer Festival and 2017 Summer Fayre on The Green this summer. So, chains or no chains, perhaps we’re already heading in the right direction?
