Plans for a £35,000 village play park have been knocked back after safety officials called for an extra £20,000 to be spent.
Villagers want to create an adventure and toddlers’ play park in Higher Heath, near Prees, and officials from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents visited the site to assess safety issues.
As a result they have given two recommendations to improve safety which will cost £20,000 to implement.
John Patrick, a Prees parish councillor and one of the driving forces behind the project, said it had taken two years to raise the £35,000 needed and now there were only six months to raise the extra money to finish the project by the end of the year.
It is hoped funding can be secured from the Whitchurch and Prees Local Area committee which will meet at Tilstock Bradbury Village Hall on Wednesday, March 26, at 7pm.
To satisfy ROSPA’s requests the park, which is to be created near Manor House Lane, will need to have on-site parking for visitors and more safety measures.
Youngsters in the area have requested a variety of play equipment for the site and it’s hoped there will be swings, a slide, a climbing frame and a six-metre adventure net.
Mr Patrick said: “We had a ROSPA site inspection on the field of Higher Heather near Manor House Lane.
“The location is suitable and they are happy with the decision and the suitability of the area, but there were two recommendations which will take a while.
“The access on to the field was not as safe as it might be and there will be a need to provide on-site parking on Manor House Lane.
“They recommended we investigate an alternative access and on-site parking,” he added.
“We are looking at various play partnership schemes that support facilities for young people.
“We will continue to raise the money and I hope to have the play park up and running by the end of the year.”
ROSPA said they were unable to comment on the report.
