Radipole play park forced to close after two months

Weymouth Town Council said the children's facilities at Radipole Park and Gardens were closed off yesterday due to "essential maintenance".

Inquiries by the Echo revealed this to be repairs to a broken swing at the site.

A climbing frame which has been at the centre of complaints due to concerns it was unsafe was also checked, the town council said.

The authority said the park was set to reopen today following repairs and an inspection.

The new site was opened at the end of June as part of a major refurbishment to Radipole Park & Gardens supported by more than £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Other works included a new heritage kiosk and toilets, resurfaced basketball court and tennis courts, a new Petanque terrain, table tennis tables and a resurfaced multi-use games area.

There has also been new planting and wildflower areas, paths, improved car parking area, and interpretation boards.

READ MORE: Radipole Park to officially open after £1 million makeover

A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said yesterday: "Radipole Park and Gardens play area is temporarily closed for some essential maintenance work.

"Signs are also up at the park entrance to advise of the temporary closure.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

The swing in the play park at Radipole Park and Gardens (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The town council later added: "A repair has been carried out to one of the swings, which we reported to the manufacturer who came to site to fix it. The equipment was then checked and inspected and we aim to have the park reopened tomorrow."

Additional concerns were raised about a climbing frame, after it was claimed the rigging on the structure fell off whilst children were playing on it last week.

One parent said: "The rigging came away from the frame while the kids were climbing on it. My daughter had been hanging upside down on that area only a minute before but thankfully wasn't too badly hurt.

"There was another little girl who fell and hit her head when it collapsed.

"It was my husband who contacted the council to let them know but they weren't available to speak to until (Monday) morning, so there were still children playing on it after we left.

"They got in touch first thing Monday to let us know it's being independently investigated as to why this and another piece of equipment has broken after only a couple of months being open and that the park will be temporarily closed until they can make sure it's safe.

"I believe they are also looking into the possibility of an out of hours number in case anything like this happens again, so definitely taking it seriously."

Charley Curley, another Weymouth parent said: "I took my children few weeks after it opened and there was already parts broken off where the children climbed up so kept my kids off as didn't look safe at all.

"There are three beams to walk up to the tower while holding the ropes. One of the ropes had already come off."

Weymouth Town Council added: "We sent a member of staff down to investigate immediately after being made aware that a piece of the wooden equipment in the new play park had broken.

"We removed the basket, and the equipment was cordoned off. We liaised with the manufacturer to make them aware as the equipment is under warranty.

"All parts of the play park are safe to use. As a precaution, we had all of the equipment checked and re-inspected today so that the park can reopen (Wednesday).

"We have not been made aware of any injuries."