A PARK in Middlewich which opened on Friday following a £300,000 refurbishment, had to be closed again on the same day after a child injured themselves on the new equipment.

The mixed play and green space scheme at Middlewich’s Fountain Fields includes a new adult gym, redesigned play area, a sculpture as the centre piece and improved footpaths and seating areas.

The work was undertaken by Ansa Environmental Services.

A spokesperson from Cheshire East Council said: “We are aware a child scratched their arm on the Friday at Fountain Fields in Middlewich and very sorry this accident occurred.

“We were alerted to this on Friday evening, and as a result, the apparatus was re-checked by a play engineer, before opening again on Saturday morning.

“On further inspection there was a slight burr on a bolt – which was showing by a couple of millimetres. This was not identified on the safety checks prior to the park opening. Be rest assured, the safety of local children using play equipment is of paramount importance.”

The sculptures had come under some scrutiny from residents who questioned their safety.

Resident Alan Langley said: “I am amazed that Middlewich Town Council have commissioned what appears to be a climbing frame in this children’s play area when it is not child friendly.

“The structure has a number of circles and rectangles cut into it the structure and is surrounded by pebbles set in cement around it making it ideal for children to climb and fall at a great height and land on a hard surface.”