AN independent inspection has revealed that the installation of equipment at a play park does not meet British safety standards.
Last month Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council agreed to withhold cash owed to Sutcliffe Play Scotland, the company contracted to put in new equipment at the Wesley Terrace play area, after it was found some items were faulty.
Last week councillors heard an independent safety inspection, carried out in September, had now been received.
Clerk Judith Mashiter said the 33-page report highlighted some items as low risk, rather than very low risk.
She added: “There are several items in there that indicates the equipment has not been installed to compliance with British Standard and/or things are not right on the ground underneath pieces of equipment.
“For all intents it is a brand-new playground. There are several items that are deemed low risk instead of very low risk which you would rather expect.”
Sutcliffe Play Scotland have already agreed to replace several items of equipment which had been found to be faulty.
Cllr Bob Danby, who met a representative of Sutcliffe Play Scotland, said a number of residents had already commented that the zip wire was “abysmal” .
He added: “We presented what we thought were the problems.
“They are aware that we are not going to make payment until that is resolved.”
Cllr Danby said posts holding the zip wire will be lifted out of position and re-sited properly as will the toot and slide.
Other issues involving grass seeding and ground levels had also been identified.
He added: “Workmen are on site at the moment and they are going to lift everything and re-site everything on the proper levels.
“They are proposing that the contractors carrying out the work come back next year and do seeding and they are proposing that they get paid and that is not something that I’m particularly keen on. I think that is some way down the line at the moment.
“I don’t think there is any decision to make about paying them until such time as the work is completed.”
It was agreed the inspection report will be forwarded to Sutcliffe Play Scotland for the firm’s comments and for any issues to be rectified.
Cllr Danby said: “It is regrettable the play park is out of action again and we are working with Sutcliffe Play Scotland and its contractors to get that sorted as quickly as possible.
“We’re really sorry about this and want to say sorry to all the parents in Middleton-in-Teesdale but we needed to get these issues resolved as early as possible.”
