Maldon District Council have unveiled a new table tennis area in Promenade Park, with mixed reaction from Maldon residents.

The table tennis table, funded by the Active Essex Places and Spaces fund, was installed yesterday (February 13).

Groundworks for the site, funded by the District Council, have also been underway. 

The new addition to the park came after a suggestion on social media asking Maldon District Council to provide a table tennis table.

However, the free-to-use area has been met by criticism by residents, with some saying the location of the table, nearby to the Promenade Park Coach and Car Park, is a health and safety risk.

Others have raised concerns over vandalism, as well a lack of free provision of table tennis bats and balls.

In replies to concerns on social media, a spokesperson for Maldon District Council said:  "The Table Tennis area, as well as the majority of areas in the park are covered by CCTV and are regularly patrolled by our Community Engagement Officers and colleagues in Essex Police."

The spokesperson added: "We looked into several different locations in the park and the area next to the coach park was identified as the most suitable.

"We also considered this location due to its good access for disabled users and also the proximity to other facilities like the public toilets."

Some residents have been excited by the new area, with one person citing the mental health benefits of such an area. 

Cllr Richard Siddal, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "The addition of a free-to-play Table Tennis area is a great initiative for the community.

"It is wonderful to see how the idea originated from a suggestion on social media and how this was progressed by our Community Health and Wellbeing Officer.

"This initiative is a great way to promote physical activity, community engagement, and well-being, and it will be exciting to see how the community embraces this new addition to Prom Park."

The council also hope to welcome local table tennis clubs for friendly matches at the site.