Over a month since a Stoke-on-Trent play park was forced to close due to vandalism and the park is still not open.

At the start of April the childrens play area at Tunstall park was closed due to damaged equipment.

This caused families to miss out on using the facility for the majority of the Easter holidays and now as the weather is warmer and the days are longer. However, over a month later and the gates to the play park are still locked shut.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have hit out at the 'mindless vandalism' and said the park will remain shut until the area is safe. They added that new equipment has been ordered.

Now park users have commented on the park's closure calling it disappointing. Helen Jacobs said: "It is disappointing that it is still closed but I understand that if it's not safe you don't want kids using it. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the park will remain shut until the area is safe (LDRS).

"It is a real shame at the moment because the weather is nice and I expect parents would like to bring their kids here to play. It's sad that people spoil it for others."

This is not the first time the park has been closed, only last year the safety surface was ripped up by vandals. At the time park goers called for more CCTV in the area to catch the culprits.

Tunstall resident, Lisa Wall commented: "Inconsiderate disrespectful kids are ruining it for everybody else. The council isn't going to keep replacing it, I bet it costs a fortune to replace equipment.

"There will be a time when they simply say it is costing too much and then it will be gone forever and that will be a shame. You are seeing vandalism like this all around though, it's all about respect."

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement, and sustainability said: "Due to mindless vandalism at Tunstall Park, we have had to close the play area until further notice. New play equipment has been ordered, however, until we can install and make the area safe, the play area will remain closed."

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