CHILDREN have nowhere to play after workmen removed equipment at their local park.

A slide, a bridge and two swings were dismantled at Mead Park in Freshbrook after council officials deemed them unsafe.

The park is one of five earmarked for development this year, but parents are angry because they believe Swindon Council did not have to wait until the summer holidays to do the work.

Amanda Steele, 37, a housewife from Freshbrook, said: "It looks more dangerous now the slide has gone and it certainly has not been cordoned off.

"The children are on holiday so I'm sure they could have waited until September to close it.

"If they were going to do any work I think they should have got rid of the whole play area and put something new in."

Her son Jack Steele, nine, said: "I play there quite a bit because I live opposite, so I'm disappointed they have got rid of the slide and swings.

"I do spend quite a bit of time there so it's a shame, but at least I can still play football on it."

Swindon Council spokeswoman Hellen Barnes said: "The play area is due to be refurbished during the autumn and winter period.

"This is because much of the current equipment has come to the end of its life.

"Following a safety check last week, inspectors from Swindon Services decided to remove the commando bridge and also the large slide, for safety reasons.

"Exact details of the refurbishment work are to be confirmed and the work is expected to be complete by the New Year."

In July the council unveiled a £150,000 plan to save playgrounds by refurbishing five play areas a year at a cost of £30,000 each.

The 15-year programme will see all of the town's play areas getting an overhaul.

The council has closed more than 60 playgrounds since 1998.

Councillor Chris Shepherd (Lib Dem, Freshbrook & Grange Park) said: "If the playground was dangerous then the work had to be done because we have to protect the children.

"It is an inappropriate time to do it though and I do hope that we don't lose the equipment because the council has a habit of starting things and not having the money to complete it.

"I hope that the new facilities are as good and that we have the money to keep them there."