Replacing a children's play area in Marlborough could cost thousands of pounds more than expected, the town council has been told.

Councillors met behind closed doors last week to discuss estimates to replace equipment that was removed by council staff from the Coopers Meadow play area, near the George Lane car park, when it was found to be in a dangerous condition.

They also discussed the revelation that the site is a bog and that work to provide a stable base for a playground will cost tens of thousands of pounds above the original estimates.

Equipment in Coopers Meadow, as well as at play areas at Rabley Wood View in the town and at Manton, was removed in the autumn because wooden supports were rotten.

Councillors say equipment at Coopers Meadow will be the first to be replaced because it is the most well used. This one play area will cost about £30,000 to re-equip although the precise quotations received by the council have not been revealed.

However, it is understood the cost could more than double because the council has discovered that the spongy ground in the George Lane water meadow needs to be excavated to a depth of about seven feet to reach a solid chalk base, requiring hundreds of tons of limestone infill.

The Gazette can reveal that these ground conditions have been known about for years and were confirmed by tests carried out for Kennet District Council when the adjacent George Lane Car Park was extended.

The town council's precept for the council tax is going up by 91 per cent this year and budget provisions have been made for the refurbishment of Coopers Meadow play area.

The council had hoped the play area would be open by Easter but now believes it will not happen for several months at least.

Following the behind doors meeting, the town council issued a statement saying it recognised Coopers Meadow, being a water meadow, presented problems in the construction and maintenance of a play area.

But it said the play area was a major asset to the town, providing enjoyment for many local children and attracting visitors from outside the area.

It said the exact specification is to be agreed within financial limits set by the council.