FEARS have been raised for the safety of children after hazard tape to prevent access to a potentially harmful piece of play equipment was repeatedly removed.
Barnard Castle Town Council officers roped off the toddler unit at the Bouch Way play area after an inspection found its platform could give way.
Speaking during the council’s services committee, town clerk Martin Clark, said: “There are a number of items requiring either removal at some point soon or some heavy repairs.
“There is wear on the platform [of the toddler unit] in several places and there is damage to timber.
“We have put hazard tape around it and asked people not to go on there.”
However, he noted that the tape had to be replaced several times because it was repeatedly being stripped away.
He added: “And every time we do that, we photograph it so we are covered from a health and safety point of view. It does need addressing.”
While Mr Clark said the council had a reserve earmarked for equipment at Bouch Way play area, the services committee agreed to refer the decision to the resources committee to approve the release of the cash.
