CONCERNED residents claim a park is becoming over-commercialised as a council tries to cash in on visitors.

A number of visitors to Maldon’s Promenade Park were shocked after the Toy Town train ride was moved from the top of a grassy rise by the front gate nearer to the popular Galleon pirate ship climbing frame.

The ride is now on grass where children used to run around and parents could keep an eye on the play area.

The loss of open space in the centre of the park and the fact children need to pay to use the train ride, has been the final straw for some disgruntled residents who believe the park is becoming increasingly commercialised.

“The promenade seems to be changing quite a bit,” said Tina Buist, 54, whose grandchildren use the park.

“It was quaint four years ago – even quainter before that, according to older Maldonians – but now the green area there around the pirate ship is becoming full of pay-to-use play equipment.

“I think Maldon District Council will end up using more of the green space at the promenade to rent to other people to set up businesses there.”

The park’s train ride and soft-play attractions cost £3, while the trampolines are £4.

The splash park is £2.50 for 20 minutes or £12.50 for a day.

The rest of the facilities in the Valley are free.

Not all parents are concerned by the pay-to-play attractions.

“It doesn’t bother me in the slightest,” said one mum who was at the park on Sunday morning with her daughter.

“It’s a park. There’s a massive field over there – it’s not a problem.”

A dad who was at the park with his son and daughter, said they did not feel crowded-out.

“It’s a lot of money for what it is,” he said. “It’s nice though. You can’t knock it.

“There are not many places like this left. Nowadays they have more for the kids to do.”

Maldon District Council defended the paid-for attractions. A sppokesman said: “Due to the decrease in Government funding and like many other councils, we need to seek revenue-raising opportunities to help address this shortfall.

“Yes, one of the concessions has been moved, but only from one location in the Valley to another, so there’s exactly the same amount of grass as there was previously.

“Promenade park is a popular visitor destination, which is why there is more on offer during the high season.

“However, there are other park spaces available too – in Maldon town and across the rest of the district – which have play areas, open grass spaces, and beautiful views that do not have concessions or car park charges.”