Park padlocked for two years owing to health and safety

A CHILDREN’S playground has been closed for almost two years after a health and safety inspection was delayed by the pandemic.

The park was built in 2020 as part of a new housing estate in Poole, Dorset. Although dozens of families have moved into the homes, children have been unable to play on the equipment, which is fenced off for safety reasons.

The grass around it has also been left to grow and a sign on the padlocked gate reads: “Children must not play on this site.”

It has been left to deteriorate because developers Barratt Homes have been unable to arrange for it to be inspected.

One resident, who lives with her daughter near the park, said: “This will be the second summer living without the park open and the children are expected to walk by each day. This needs addressing as soon as possible. It’s just bonkers.”

Mark Keen, a construction director at Barratt Homes, said: “Without the ROSPA certificate, we are unable to open the park, but we’re hoping this will change very soon.”