Residents and councillors believe Tramlines money isn’t stretching far enough as paths throughout Hillsborough Park need restoring.
They told Shef News that they believe Tramlines should be doing more to restore the park after its use, due to paths across the park being damaged with potholes and cracks.
Green party councillor Toby Mallison, 61, who represents the Hillsborough area, said: “Tramlines is very polarising – very popular with some residents and unpopular with others.
“It has benefited the park with improvements that generally benefit Tramlines such as new paths, and essential drainage works.
“However, as the events of 2023 demonstrate, Tramlines are a big risk to the park too. My main worry is a recurrance of 2023.”
In 2023 Tramlines received backlash due to the aftermath of the festival causing major disruption and damage to the park.
Certain areas and paths throughout the park have now been restored by Tramlines but only if it is in line with the perimeter of the festiva, with some areas left damaged.
One mum, who did not wish to be named, uses the park daily told Shef news this effects her route.
She said: “Definitely the path from Middlewood Road leading to a left to the library and right down to Broughton, it’s very damaged. I have to avoid that hole with the pram every day.“
Resident Ian Brownhill said: “As much as Tramlines are good economically for the area, They must be held more accountable for the damage caused. Prevention is far cheaper than repair and this should include the whole area of the park.”
Coun Mallison continued: “The endless squeeze on council budgets affects maintenance and works in our parks. Things take longer to repair.
“Work in the parks often rely on grant applications. It would be good to have sufficient maintenance and a small work budget.
“We can and will always ask tramlines to do more.”
Tramlines was approached for a new comment but didn’t respond.
After the damage in 2023, Tramlines said: “These works are an essential part of our commitment to Hillsborough Park. We are constantly looking at ways to reduce the impact Tramlines has and have put substantial measures in place to protect the park.”