TUNNELS at a Cardigan play area are having to be reduced following health and safety concerns expressed by local residents.

Ceredigion County Council confirmed last week that the Netpool play park will be closed temporarily to allow modifications of equipment to take place.

“The Netpool playground area has been transformed recently, with the old play area replaced by a new natural play area,” said Cathryn Morgan, the local authority’s Families First Co-ordinator.

“In response to direct feedback and concerns from local residents, the play area will closed for a short period of time.

“We have listened to the health and safety concerns of residents about the new play area and are taking measures to ensure it is safer to use.

“The area has been inspected by the council’s health and safety officer, as well as the council’s insurers, and it became apparent that the length of the tunnels needed to be reduced.

“This work will take place during the next few weeks, and the play area will be fenced off during this time. It is intended for the play area to open to the public by the end of April."

Cllr Jane Roche said the play area’s closure had proved frustrating for local residents.

“It’s unfortunate,” she said. “My understanding is that it’s not Ceredigion County Council themselves who have undertaken these measures but rather the insurers who feel various regulations have not been met."

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