A NEWLY constructed play area costing taxpayers more than £70,000 has been fenced off for nearly eight months after failing to pass several safety inspections. 

Work on the Rooksdown play area, near the community centre in Park Prewett Road, was complete in October, but has not been open to the public since that date. 

Frustrated parents have been left making excuses as to why their children cannot enjoy the newly built play area. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has invested £72,000 for contractors Sutcliffe Play to complete the work, but it soon became clear the work did not meet safety regulations. 

Since then the borough council has been working with the planning inspector to try and bring the park up to specification, but it still remains closed. 

This has left many families in the Rooksdown area with young children frustrated that they can’t use these new facilities. 

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Gazette he has had to avoid the play park so he does not upset his daughter. 

He said: “I am not the only parent that has had a problem with having to tell their child they can’t go into the play park. 

“It is so frustrating as it has just been fenced off for months on end with what seems like no progress being made.” 

Despite having revisited on several occasions, inspectors found that not all the faults had been repaired, with grass growing through the newly laid path and exposed wires on the rope net bridge.

Tay Mason, nursery manager at Blossom Day Nursery, in the Rooksdown Community Centre, said parents with children who attend the nursery have aired their frustrations to her.

She said: “It is frustrating for parents who want to use the park but the council needs to ensure that the area is safe for use. 

“Cllr Simon Bound has been fantastic with us and the parents, keeping us updated with any progress. We have been told it should be open very soon. 

“It will be great to finally see children making good use of the area, and we can even take the children from the nursery out there to enjoy it as well.” 

Rooksdown ward councillor and cabinet member for communities and community safety, Cllr Bound, is hopeful the park will finally open to the public soon. 

He said: “While we are disappointed that the opening of the new Rooksdown play area, provided by the council, has been delayed I am sure that residents will understand the need to ensure the facility meets safety standards before children can use it.

“We are hopeful that, following a final inspection this week, the play area will be opened to the public in time for the half-term holiday.” 

Rooksdown Parish Council said in a statement: “Understandably, residents have become frustrated with the delay regarding the playpark by the community centre.

“Borough councillor Simon Bound has issued regular updates to keep everyone updated. We look forward to the playpark opening.”