PLANS for a second play area in Covingham have been put on hold because of concerns about vandalism.

Covingham has previously had problems with its play areas being targeted by vandals, so many residents are worried new equipment could attract troublemakers.

But work is set to start on one play park next month and could be completed by October.

Earlier in the year, the children of Covingham were asked to vote for their favourite play park design.

The winning bid, entered by design company Komplan, includes kicking walls, basketball nets, obstacles courses and a climbing wall as well as the traditional swings and slides.

Covingham Parish Council has invested about £56,000 in the play park, which will be built in Covingham Park, near to the schools.

It will be centrally situated so that it is open and accessible and is not an easy target for vandals after dark.

Problems have previously arisen in Covingham with play areas in secluded spots becoming targets for vandalism.

Glyn Harris, the clerk of the parish council, said: "I think some of the vandalism problems have been exaggerated.

"I've been going out to the sites to check for signs of vandalism after Friday and Saturday nights but so far, so good.

"I don't think people always differentiate between children being children and those who wilfully go out to wreck and vandalise.

"If we don't give children somewhere to play they have nothing to do, and then that can sometimes be when the problems start."

The second play park was set to be built near Smitan Brook.

But petitions raised both for and against the play park have prompted parish councillors to give the plans some further thought.

With all of the £56,000 being used for the first play park, it is not known how the second park would be funded.

One resident of Smitan Brook, who did not want to be named, said: "Although it is good for Covingham to have the play equipment, we do worry whether there would be trouble after dark."

Mother-of four-Yvette Bennett, of St Ambrose Close, who is campaigning for both play parks, said: "These play parks would be good for the children and good for the area."

Emma-Kate Lidbury