CHILDREN in Prestwich can now play on what is being billed as one of the biggest space frames in the UK.

As part of £70,000 worth of renovations to St Mary's Park the rope climbing frame was launched this week.

But while many parents have hailed the facilities as impressive, some claim they have been left out in the cold by a series of restrictive dog-prevention grilles.

The metal grids have been introduced to play areas across the borough to prevent stray or dangerous dogs gaining access.

However, according to mother-of-two Anne Yardley, of Sandy Lane, Prestwich, the grilles have created a "no-go" area for prams and buggies.

She said: "It is crazy! There is a fantastic play area there and the idea of stopping dogs from getting in is very nice but it makes it very awkward for people like me with a toddler and a baby in a buggy as well."

Mrs Yardley said she took her two-and-a-half year old son to the park and was pushing her nine-month-old son in a buggy.

If she had not had her mother there to help lift the pushchair over the grid, her eldest son would have been very disappointed. She added: "A lot of mums have complained about this. The wheels of the pushchair get stuck. It is possible to get in after a lot of effort but it does seem so silly after spending all that money on improving facilities to prevent some children from using them."

A spokesman for Bury Council said the users of St Mary's Park were the first people to complain about the grids, however as a result the authority would be reviewing the style of grid.

He said: "Access can be gained if the pushchair is dragged backwards but that is not a full long-term solution. We are monitoring the situation and looking at different styles that will provide the same effect as far as dogs are concerned but are more acceptable. We want the facilities to be fully used."

Launched by MP Ivan Lewis and the Mayor of Bury, Coun Paul Nesbit, the new facilities also include a new climbing wall and other new pieces of play equipment as well as the refurbishment of slides, see-saws and swings.

The frame was provided by Sutcliffe Play Ltd in Yorkshire. The facelift for St Mary's Park is part of a 10-year programme of improvement across the borough's 59 play sites.