The discussion wasn't about social issues though was it.. When you replied to my question asking you to back up the statement that other towns would love to have a park like Stafford you stated Stoke + Leek. I then showed, with evidence, that Stoke (The Potteries) had multiple fabulous Grade 2 listed parks. At this point you brought in social problems. But that isn't what was being discussed. You brought social problems into your argument becuase I'd proved you wrong.
I'll reiterate. Staffords park is too small for the numbers using it, and spending money on it won't change that. Secondly, almost every town in England has a Victorian Park of equal facilites to the one in Stafford.
You need to raise you aspirations if you think there is anything outstanding about Stafford. it's a meh place, with meh facilities (sh*te leisure centre), average schools, but which is expceptionally well positioned to be able to leave for other places. Housing is cheap too, which backs up all my other opinions of Stafford, as desireable places to live have expensive housing - supply and demand you see.
As a regular user of the Lesuire Centre I'm not sure how anyone could call it shite? The gym was refitted with new equipment just a year ago (although attendance has slumped due to the cheaper alternatives arriving), classes are popular, the pool is very well used and holds regular galas, and the sports facilities like the hall/squash courts are regularly in use. It more than fills the needs of a town of this size.
I'm a Stokie originally, although from my accent you'd never know it. It's worth pointing out that calling Hanley part of Stoke is accurate, historically and colloquially, and anyone calling it Stoke would know what you mean. Hanley is one of the six federated towns that make Stoke. Incidentally,
Hanley Park is a dive. It might be pretty in parts on the outside but this belies the fact it sits in the unfortunate position next to the absolute dive that is Shelton. Tunstall park looked beautiful last year when I sat there to eat an outcake.
I don't agree that the park is too small. I think the children's play area and skate bowl are well used and it's actually nice to see crowds of people there. No one is getting hurt by the popularity, and infact a large group of teenagers in one place doing something social and healthy, should be celebrated in an age when kids are mercilessly castigated for being incapable of gathering somewhere without behaving illegally.
Do I think Stafford is outstanding? No. Do I think there are towns of similar size that are worse? Undoubtedly.