CONCERNS have been raised over the future of a children's playground in Stourport which has still not reopened since closing down at the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

Gates to the play area in The Walshes estate remain locked six months on, prompting parents to raise questions as to why the playground did not reopen when the government gave the go-ahead in July.

Resident Ann Hook told The Shuttle: "It closed down at the start of lockdown which everyone understood, but then it still hasn't reopened months after other parks in the area reopened.

"We got in touch with the Community Housing Group and asked when is it going to reopen because the children are missing it, and they said it needed deep cleaning and they didn't have the resources.

"It's only a small park so it wouldn't take much to clean it.

"It's well used as it's in the middle of the estate so children come from all over. Now we have to go over to Areley Kings park which means crossing a busy road with lorries and all sorts going past. It's not safe.

"There have been some rumours that the Housing Group might have some alternative plans for the park but it would be such a shame to lose it.

"A lot of people are really worried about it - we're prepared to start a petition if we need to.

"My granddaughter is really missing it."

The Community Housing Group, which owns the playground, assured it was looking at ways to reopen the play area while observing government safety guidelines.

Matt Cooney, group chief executive of the Community Housing Group, said: “We are pleased to advise that we are looking at ways to open the play areas as quickly as we can whilst still observing the government safety guidelines.

"We will be installing signage to remind users of the importance of social distancing and we will continue to carry out our daily checks to assess the condition and safety of the equipment.

"We ask families to be vigilant and stay safe by following the latest guidance provided by the government and NHS when they are using the play area”.