MOST of the equipment has been taken away from two playgrounds in the Malvern Link area.

Malvern Town Council is now asking local people what they want to replace them.

All equipment except the swings have been removed from the playgrounds at Michael Crescent and Jamaica Crescent.

Town clerk Stuart McDonough said: "It's not something we wanted to do, but it's something we had to do."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which inspected the playgrounds, said safety surfaces had to be installed under the equipment if the playgrounds were to be safe for children.

"We decided that most of the equipment was old and not up to standard, but we decided to keep the swings and install new safety surfaces under them. The safety of children must come first," said Mr McDonough.

This option will cost £7,500. Keeping all the old equipment and putting safety surfaces under all of it would have cost £15,000, while installing two all-new playgrounds would cost £80,000.

"We realise there was some suggestion not long ago that one of these sites was being earmarked for development. We want to make it clear that we do not have that in mind at all." said Mr McDonough.

The council has circulated leaflets to local residents including a tear-off-and-send-back form asking what should be done with the sites.

Among the possibilities people are asked to consider is whether new equipment should be installed in either or both of the sites.