A SET of musical flutes may need to be moved from a refurbished children’s play area – after a council received complaints about the shrill noise.

The play equipment, installed in Eastcott’s Savernake Street play area earlier this summer, have struck a chord with music-loving youngsters.

But it has left others living near the park feeling flat. And South Swindon Parish Council’s projects officer Oliver Saunders this week proposed moving the offending instruments to a park in a less densely populated corner of the parish.

Mr Saunders said the newly installed swings, climbing frame and other play equipment had received great feedback. But he added: “There is one small issue to try and resolve, which is some very loud musical flutes that are attached to a climbing frame and irritating the residents.

“I should have jumped on this sooner. When it was being built, I tested them and I couldn’t believe how loud they were then and I thought it could be an issue. I should have started to plan for it then.”

They had considered asking the manufacturers to modify the five metal pipes that make up the swanny whistle-like flutes, which sound when a rod is pushed down the pipe.

However, he said: “We couldn’t guarantee that that would solve the issue. The best thing might be to remove the unit entirely.”

Responding to a parish councillor's remark that flutes were meant to be soothing, Mr Saunders joked: "Not when it's played by a four-year-old."

When the Adver visited the park yesterday, children, parents and Savernake Street residents all spoke of the popularity of the new play area.

Anna McNaught, 35, said her four-year-old son Thomas enjoyed playing with the new flutes: “The kids love the park and Thomas things the flutes sound like a train. That was the first thing he tried out.”

Savernake Street man David Usher, 66, said of the flutes: “They make no difference to me. My grandchildren love them. That’s the most important thing to me.” Steve Whitehead, 72, added: “It’s a great park. The flutes can be a little bit loud.”

Jan McKechnie, 71, said: “I’m pleased with the park. I think it’s a great improvement. The sound of the flutes isn’t getting on my nerves, but you’re aware of them.”

Swindon Borough Council said it had not received any noise complaints relating to the park. The Adver understands some residents on Stafford Street had complained to the parish.