A PARISH council that shut an “outdated” children’s playground at the start of the summer holiday because of safety fears is to look at getting more modern equipment.
Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council held an emergency meeting last week after an inspection showed that much of its play equipment is unsafe.
The report into Wesley Terrace Play Area by Park Lane Playgrounds found the swings, in particular, were in poor condition and recommended the swing chains and seats be removed to take the equipment out of action.
The report said grommets were missing, the top bar is deteriorating, timbers are cracked and chains and brushes are worn.
The trim trail and cradle swings were also found to be in a poor state of repair.
Five councillors visited the play area on July 20 and decided to shut it immediately.
Their action was backed by other members during the meeting on Friday.
Newly appointed councillor Bob Danby, who is also joint project manager for Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass), noted that some of the equipment, such as the cantilever swing, only needed minor repairs.
He said: “They have recommended stripping the bearings down. That is not a safety issue.”
Cllr Michael Wallbank replied: “If there are any problems we could be in trouble.”
The council decided to call for quotes to repair each item of equipment.
One resident from the village who attended the meeting said: “It [the play area] is not used as much because it is dated.”
In response the council decided to form a working group of members and interested villagers to start fundraising and to looking into getting new play equipment.
Cllr Danby said Utass could take children from the village to various play parks in the area to see what type of equipment would be suitable for the area.
