A GROUP of Sale residents have hit out at a decision to spend £18,000 on metal fencing around Woodheys Park.

Improvements to security mean people will only be able to gain access to the Green Flag Park through four pedestrian entrance gates.

Pat Smith, aged 50 and her husband Graham, aged 67, of Hemsal Road, say their main issue is that the park shuts at 7pm and in the winter it's likely to be as early as 4.30pm.

Pat explained: "The park is wonderful, it's a great asset and a lot of careful thought and effort has gone into creating what it is at the moment.

"But, like a lot of people, I work from 9am-5pm which limits the time I can take the dog out either before or after working hours. In the winter months it means I have no access to the park at the end of the working day."

She added: "I would like the park to go back to the way it was - I think as a public park the gates should be open all the time. I don't mind if the fencing stays - it's the locked gate that creates the lack of access.

"Why can't we have a little bit of money spent on a slightly more sophisticated stile access so that motorbikes and horses can't come in?

We have enjoyed unrestricted access since the early 1970s and I for one will not relinquish it lightly.' "When the park gates were not locked I can't say I was conscious of any great degree of vandalism - we saw young people in the park but it is their facility as well, it shouldn't just be the province of the retired."

Paul Hyde, of Link Road, Sale, added: "The overall appearance of the park is to be highly commended. But the complete closure of the park at 7pm is causing considerable problems for many people.

"I and my numerous neighbours bordering the park were certainly not consulted when this decision was made. We have enjoyed unrestricted access since the early 1970s and I for one will not relinquish it lightly.

"Ultimately as taxpayers we contribute substantially to the upkeep of Trafford's parks. I want to enjoy them at hours that we all feel are reasonable not hours that a small number of people consider appropriate."

George Clegg, co chairman of The Friends of Woodheys Park, has defended the decision and says it was made following a period of consultation lasting about 18 months.

He explained: "We are basically trying to make the park safe and amenable for everyone. Now, as the security concerns in the park diminish, the aim is to invest in more facilities and events.

"In the past we've suffered all sorts of problems including groups with rifles shooting at birds and squirrels, gangs drinking in the woods and lighting fires, and vandals spraying graffiti on the children's play area.

"Over the last five years at times we've leafleted up to 400 houses as well as putting up notices in the library and the pavilion to keep people informed.

"The final decision to erect the fences was made at a meeting of the Friends of the Park earlier this summer when about 40 people including representatives from the council attended."

He added: "I've been using the park for over 25 years, where I live the gate has closed at these times for the last two years. I have two dogs and it hasn't stopped me going into the park two or three times a day whatever the season."

sgreenhalgh@messengergrp.co.uk