A popular park in Newcastle-under-Lyme has been closed, much to the mystery of nearby residents, for 'at least' a few months and as of yet there is no timeline as to when it will be reopened.

Bradwell Dingle park located between Oldcastle Avenue and Oakdene Avenue hosts a children's play area, a football court and a skate area.

Residents have speculated the reasons why the park has been closed with one suggesting that the paint is toxic while others thought it was to do with the potential of Winter weather.

Alan Everall lives on Oakdene Avenue and walks his dog everyday throughout the park said he assumed the park had been closed for winter but had heard there was faulty equipment.

Mr Everall said: It has been closed for quite a few months now, way before Christmas. I originally assumed it was because of winter but somebody told me that part of the play equipment is dangerous. 

"Kids still play on it, they jump over the fence, so if that is true then there could be an accident"

The park has been locked for months according to residents (Jonathan Sutton).

Across the park on Oldcastle Avenue, resident Carol Howel confirmed that she regularly sees children playing on the closed playground and saw some only last night.

She said: "They climb over the fence and get on the bin and jump off the bin. I heard there was something wrong with the paint, there was a notice on the park but it soon came off. Kids are still playing in the park which could be dangerous."

Ray Bagley said this grandchildren regularly played in the park before it was closed and are 'disappointed'

Ray said: "The park has been closed for months now. I heard it was to do with a collapsed roundabout which is dangerous for the kids. Getting it fixed has been quite long winded, we've got a lot of grandchildren that come here and went across to play in the park and can't at the moment."

Cllr. Trevor Johnson, Cabinet member for environment and recycling, said: "The small playground at Bradwell Dingle has been temporarily unavailable since late last year due to old play equipment coming to the end of its working life. Replacement apparatus was immediately ordered but delivery has taken longer than expected due to issues beyond the Council's control.

"In the meantime, safety precautions have been taken. The area is securely locked, warning posters were displayed and local councillors informed. Access to the green space and new football facilities is unaffected.

"We've been informed that delivery of the play equipment is imminent and we will look to prioritise its installation."

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