Work to build a new children's playpark in Weymouth has been held up again.

The latest delay for the £90,000 facility at the Marsh – which has now been raised to £100,000 due to extra works needed – means the park won't now be open until at least the end of September.

It was initially hoped to get it ready before the start of the school summer holidays.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council admitted the delays were 'disappointing'.

The long-awaited facility has been designed with community input and will be an exciting new facility, when built.

Positioned behind the swimming pool, the park will be suitable for children aged between 3-12 years and will include assorted play equipment, accessible to as many youngsters as possible.

Construction work was halted at the end of June after 'potentially hazardous' materials were found underneath the ground – a former landfill site – prompting investigations.

Following samples taken from the ground, the council announced earlier this month work could proceed, starting today.

However it now says work will start on Tuesday, August 28.

A spokesman said: "For health and safety reasons, a membrane will be laid across the entire footprint of the new play area and the ground level will be raised importing extra topsoil to a depth of 0.5 metres to enable the equipment to be fitted. By increasing soil levels it guarantees that any footings will not enter the waste pile and disturb the contaminated material.

"The original design covered a large area of land, but in order to keep cost down the footprint of the play area has had to be reduced. The additional groundworks to accommodate the installation of the play equipment has increased the cost of the project by £10k."

Council Briefholder for Community Facilities Cllr Kate Wheller added: “Although the delays have been disappointing, the health and safety of our visitors is imperative. The additional soil and redesign of the play area ensures this and I am so pleased to hear that work will commence again shortly.”

The scheme has been developed by the Friends of the Marsh which has worked with the borough council and consulted residents. It has been funded by off-site developer contributions.

A previous park at the site was removed several years ago.

The park project is part of wider plan to improve the Marsh.

Plans for more improvements will follow, including the installation of a skate park and a BMX track.

To celebrate the opening of the new play area, the Friends of The Marsh will be hosting a Family Fun Day, details of which will be announced in due course.