DROITWICH youngsters will be without one of their main play areas when the town's cash-strapped adventure playground temporarily closes next week.

The playground, based in King George's Playing Fields, is having major financial troubles.

Now, in a bid to find funding to keep it open, manager Dave Spicer has decided to close down while he hunts for new grants.

Following a meeting this week with the playground's committee, it was decided that the playground will be open on Saturday, but after that would be closed for the foreseeable future.

"I really don't know how long it will be closed for," said Mr Spicer.

"I haven't time to keep the playground open and search for possible grants and extra money which we desperately need to carry on running next year.

"We have enough money to stay open until next May. After that, unless we get additional funding, we will have to close."

The playground, which can have more than 30 children during evenings and weekends, has yearly running costs of around £6,000, plus Mr Spicer's wages.

"I'll be the first to admit that it's my wages that are probably the problem, although I don't get paid a huge amount," he said.

"I'd love to turn around and say I'd do it for free, because I know how much the kids need it, but I've got a family to support,"

There are also problems with a skateboard park due to be based at the playground, with, which has hit several obstacles, from the surface on the ramps to insurance.

"We're looking at putting stainless steel on the ramps now as the original surface we put on has been damaged - we think by BMX bikes which have been using it while the playground is closed.

"Saying that, if we don't find additional funding, the skate park won't get up and running because the playground won't be open," Mr Spicer added.

The community can do their bit by supporting the playground tomorrow night when it hosts a fancy dress Halloween party for children aged eight to 14.

The event runs from 7pm to 10pm. If children go in fancy dress, admission is 50p. If not, it will cost £1.

Children are urged not to use the playground while it is closed.