A PLAY park was forced to permanently close because of access restrictions, the parish announced.

The play area in Dogridge in Purton has been shut since last summer after social housing company GreenSquare put up fencing around the park.

Purton Parish Council has been trying to find a solution since then but with no success.

Chair of play area and recreation Coun Sue Relfe said: “Purton Parish Council closed Venture play park at the Dogridge estate in the summer of 2019 as we were unable to gain vehicular access after GreenSquare erected fencing without prior notification or consultation with the parish council.

“Despite numerous meetings and correspondence, we have been unable to reach a satisfactory solution to the problem.

“The land at Venture Park has now been handed back to Wiltshire Council.

"Without vehicular access Purton Parish Council is unable to maintain the area and the play equipment to comply with health and safety regulations.”

She added: “There are two other play parks within Purton, at Play Close and the Village Centre, and we are looking to invest in the upgrade of some of the play equipment and facilities in these parks.”

All of the children’s play equipment inside the park will be removed.

GreenSquare neighbourhood operations manager Jan Morse said: “Any decision to close the play park would be regrettable and a real loss to the local community.

“Although there was no formal access arrangement, we have been liaising with the parish council and done everything possible to facilitate access to the park for maintenance and reopening.

“Initially we created a gateway through our newly-erected fence with the expectation this would enable grounds staff to access the play park across our land.

“A suggestion to move a line of fencing back from the footpath has also been considered but was complicated by ownership of the footpath being with Wiltshire Council.

“We think there are alternative solutions to this issue and have outlined these to the parish council.

“These include use of an equipment locker, two persons attending, or use of a grounds maintenance vehicle with a smaller turning circle.”

In July, a set of swings was stolen from the Dogridge estate play area.