Kids play promise ends up in a right 'mess'

CHILDREN who were promised a revamped play area two months ago have seen no sign of their new equipment.In April North Somerset Council said it was helping to fund the transformation of Castle Batch Community Centre off Magdalen Way after concerns were raised about the run-down state of the building and its grounds.The old play equipment outside the building was removed ready for brand new items to be installed.But this week members of community groups told the Weston & Somerset Mercury that the new equipment has never appeared.Tara Maher is the manager of Ready Steady Go Pre-school which uses the community centre.She said: "The play area was supposed to have been redeveloped but the old equipment just went back in."It's not particularly nice for the kids. The grass is overgrown as well and it's a mess."We were excited about having a new area. The fencing went in but the old equipment was re-installed but just moved slightly."A new play area would be great and exciting for the community and pre-school children. At the moment it looks a mess."Police and North Somerset councillors and officers put together a plan earlier this year to improve the community centre and the area around it after fears were raised that it might be forced to close.A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "We have to wait until the ground is dry enough for the equipment to go in."That is likely to be at least a couple of weeks with the way the weather is.