CHILDREN have been left disappointed after a council ordered a playground be emptied of equipment.

Families were angered after Durham County Council ruled a small play area on Allergate, in Durham City, must be stripped of play equipment due to safety concerns.

Work to remove swings, a slide, a see-saw and a roundabout began in late November.

Today, the only item remaining was a toy bike – which parents said was due to be taken away shortly.

Parts of the playground where equipment once stood have been replanted with grass.

Council chiefs say the equipment was removed as it was judged to pose a safety risk.

Nigel Dodds, the council’s sport and leisure manager, said the site’s possible redevelopment depended on the results of a play strategy, which was still being drawn up.

In a statement, he said: "Following the annual inspection and risk audit at Allergate in Durham City the play equipment has been identified as posing a health and safety risk and was removed as it was unsuitable for any upgrades.

"Most of the equipment is pre-1998 and therefore does not meet current safety standards. We are currently writing a countywide play strategy and the outcome of this will determine whether or not this site is redeveloped."

Ruth Chambers, who lives nearby, said the playground had been established for many years and was well-used by families, visitors and a neighbouring nursery.

Sarah Loach, of nearby Brass Thill, said: "People are always talking about kids getting more exercise and then the council takes the play equipment away. It’s a real shame."

Ruth Pierce, another resident, added: "My son keeps asking when the slide’s coming back.

"We used to come down here quite regularly. It’s great for fresh air. It’s a great walk-through location – people often stopped off here for half an hour. Now I have to take my boys up to Wharton park and I have to drive there."

Under the Government’s Playbuilder scheme, 11 County Durham play areas were improved during 2009, at a cost of £1.2m. Earlier this year, a further £603,000 was earmarked to upgrade a further 13 facilities.