THE reopening of a refurbished play area in Malvern has been delayed after extreme heat caused problems.
Work began to upgrade the play equipment at Victoria Park in mid-May and it was initially hoped that the work would take six weeks and the play area would be back in use by the start of the school summer holidays.
However, it is still out of use. All other facilities at Victoria Park, including the toddler play area, the basketball courts and Bilberry Café, have remained open as usual throughout.
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Why has the re-opening been delayed?
Malvern Town Council said surfacing of the playground had been due to take place in late June but had to be postponed due to the unprecedented high temperatures during the record-breaking heatwave.
Contractors carrying out the work then gave an updated completion date of July 23 but have since told the council that this is “unachievable”.
It is now estimated that work will continue until July 29 but the council has said it will issue a confirmed completion date in due course.
“We are very sorry to let you know that the completion date of the playground refurbishment has been delayed,” a spokesperson said.
“During late June, early July, the laying of the playground surfacing had been delayed due to unprecedented hot temperatures we were experiencing, as the safety surfacing for playgrounds cannot be laid above a certain temperature.
“Once the surfacing had been completed, the contractors gave a finish date of July 23 but have now informed Town Council staff today that this was unachievable and that the works will be continuing until Wednesday, July 29.
“We sincerely apologise for this frustrating delay which is outside our control.
“An official opening event will be announced when a formal completion date is known.”
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What improvements are being made at Victoria Park?
The new equipment will include a large uniplay with a slide, an inclusive seesaw, a titan, a whizzer, a large trampoline, play panels and sensory tokens.
There will also be an expansion of the play area, to include balance beams, ninja step, monkey bars, rope swing and rope balance.
