CHILDREN and dangerous roads are a terrible combination.


This has only recently been considered with the £148,000 refurbishment of the Witches Hat play area in Yate underway.


Now that the area is closed to the public, many people have started to voice their concerns about how dangerous the access routes are – to an area primarily created to attract young people.


The refurbishment of the area was welcome and exciting news – but just what cost will the new facilities be to the town?


Cllr Chris Zapata estimated that it takes a car just three seconds to reach the crossing area from Rodborough roundabout giving children a very short time to make a decision on whether to cross or not – and drivers little chance to slow down.


This is a recipe for disaster.


With the alluring revamped area, and the enticing skateboarding facilities, there will be huge interest in the outdoor space, particularly as we move further into the sunnier summer months.


It is reassuring news that councils are now looking into options of improving safety of these access routes – although this should have been considered when refurbishment was first planned.


It would be reckless to allow the area to reopen without changes to deter accidents on the road.
Hopefully changes – if made – will successfully ensure that the only further news to come from the improved popular play area will be that it is a huge success.