A REVAMPED playground which was plagued by problems has finally opened its gates to youngsters – just in time for the warmer weather.

The Heather Close play area in St Peter’s, Worcester, was meant to open last year but numerous health and safety issues delayed its completion.

The playground finally opened on Monday, April 19, and is already being well-used by the children of the area.

Ross McFarlane, head of St Peter’s Parish Council, said: “The parish council is delighted that Heather Close play area is now open.

“It’s great that the opening coincided with some sunny weather and allowed the kids to try out the new climbing frame and other equipment.

“We are very grateful to Worcester City Council councillors, officers and staff who have made this refurbishment possible.”

It is still not known how much the refurbishment of the park – which closed in 2008 – will cost. The opening date was first put back following concerns that the recycled wood chippings used to carpet the playground’s floor were unsafe.

At the time, they were described by a resident as “a carpet of splinters” and Worcester City Council was forced to re-order and re-lay new, approved chippings.

The money was refunded for the faulty woodchippings. The second setback followed within a couple of months when, at the beginning of this year, it was discovered the wrong type of foundations had been used for the swings and roundabout.

Once again, workmen had to re-do work they had done to make sure it met health and safety requirements. At the time the council was keen to stress that at no stage was any member of the public in any risk.

A Worcester City Council statement at the time said: “These issues have arisen on an area which is a closed building site with no public access.”