A Macclesfield park's new 'Showstopper' play tower is now open.

Families, councillors and project partners gathered at West Park on Friday, August 21, for the official opening of the site's newest piece of play equipment.

The event marked the completion of a major investment in the park and forms part of Cheshire East Council's ongoing work to maintain and improve parks and green spaces across the borough.

However, some parents raised concerns about the safety of the structure, adding that they were disappointed by the launch event as a whole.

One such parent, James Wilson, said: "It was ridiculous.

"There were children being crushed on the slide, children being injured, and councillors stood around doing nothing about it.

"After numerous parents complained about the safety, a councillor climbed to the top to attempt to alleviate the pressure at the top.

"Also, they had advertised face painting, balloons and refreshments but there was none of that, just a small stand stand with a couple of Fruit Shoots that was empty within 20 minutes."

Councillor David Jefferary, Cheshire East's cabinet member for environment, sustainability and waste management, attended the event with his children.

Responding to the concerns, he said: "The new play equipment proved extremely popular, and I have never seen West Park's playground so busy.

"The play tower was risk assessed and underwent an independent post-installation inspection by a RoSPA-certified inspector.

"We'd like to thank the parents who shared their concerns with us during the event. We took action to address those concerns, with a member of staff assisting at the top of the play tower to help children using the equipment. While we are not aware of any reports of injury during the event, we would encourage anyone with concerns to raise them with us directly.

"Feedback about the activities and refreshments advertised for the event will be taken into account when planning future events.

"It was great to see so many families attending, and we hope this new play equipment will continue to provide enjoyment for local children and visitors to West Park for many years to come."

The impressive new play tower was chosen by local residents following a public vote that attracted more than 1,500 responses.

Cheshire East Council delivered the project with funding support from Macclesfield Town Council, replacing an ageing play structure that had reached the end of its lifespan.

At the heart of the installation is a large, multi-level play tower featuring climbing walls, ladders, tunnels and an 'extreme' tube slide, creating an exciting and challenging space for children to play, explore and be active.

The new equipment is the largest single play installation of its kind in Cheshire East and is expected to become a focal point for families visiting West Park for years to come.

Councillor Emma Gilman, Cheshire East Council ward member for Tytherington and Macclesfield town councillor, said: "We're delighted to support this exciting improvement at West Park, which is such a valued space for the town.

"Councillor David Edwardes and I worked hard to secure additional funding from both Macclesfield Town Council and Cheshire East Council, enabling us to deliver a play area that goes above and beyond expectations, complete with a fantastic showstopper attraction for local children to enjoy.

"It was fantastic to see so many families at the opening, making the most of the new equipment and sharing in the excitement of what this investment will bring to the community.

"This is a great example of what can be achieved when councils work together for local people, and I am looking forward to seeing generations of children enjoy this wonderful facility for many years to come."

Councillor Jefferay added: "This is a fantastic improvement for West Park and a great example of how we're working with partners to enhance our parks for local families.

"The response from residents has been brilliant, and it's clear the 'Showstopper' is going to be a real centrepiece for West Park.

"It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the new equipment and making the most of this exciting new addition to the park."