BUDE-Stratton Town councillors unanimously backed a proposal for the town council to engage with Cornwall Council over the devolution of the play areas at Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches.

Cornwall Councillor for Bude, Peter La Broy (Lib Dem), told the councillors that the play equipment at Crooklets no longer met play equipment standards and had suffered some wet rot to the timbers, mainly at the base of the structures.

He said: “There are two play areas, Crooklets, which was erected about ten years ago and has the pirates ship and a mast. The mast has some possible pinch points for little fingers, so needs urgent attention. Nigel Pearce and I have been talking to the council officers to try and work out what can be saved and what must be replaced.

“At Summerleaze, Cornwall Council want the equipment taken away totally. Nigel and I are both very much against the possibility of taking the play equipment away, as Bude kids and visitors have enjoyed the play park for many years.

“It would be good if Bude-Stratton Town Council engage in a dialogue with Cornwall Council over the devolution of the Crooklets and Summerleaze play areas and refer it to the recreation committee.”

Deputy mayor, Cllr Peter Moores, said as it is a Cornwall Council owned piece of land, they should pay.

He said: “Why should our taxpayers pay for it when we wouldn’t own that land? The beach hut profits have gone up and up!”

Chairman of the recreation committee, Cllr Frank Partridge, said: “The question is, who’s going to lead that dialogue and how would we deal with it? But I’m happy for you to refer it to the recreation committee.”

Cllr La Broy proposed the devolution of the two play areas and Cllr Partridge seconded. It was then unanimously backed by councillors.