THE Netpool playground area in Cardigan is to be closed as improvements are carried out after concerns were raised over its safety.

The old play area has been replaced by a new natural play area but parents expressed concern over small children using the site.

Previously, the play area boasted swings, slides and climbing frames, all of which were removed. The new "natural play area" sees banked mounds of earth containing crawling tubes along with large stones and rocks.

One option for the site had been due to been to lay it with grass after all the equipment had been removed, but following consultation with children in the area the county council chose to develop the natural play facility.

However, parents and residents have been left fuming by the alterations and now, in response, the play area will close while further changes are made.

Cathryn Morgan, families first coordinator for Ceredigion County Council, said, “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.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We are as disappointed as the residents with this setback. However, I’m sure Cardigan residents will appreciate that we have to ensure the play area 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.

The play area is a new way of using natural materials to support children’s play opportunities, and builds on RAY Ceredigion’s Play Project which has created 18 natural play areas in Ceredigion.