Isle of Wight playground closed due to vandalism concerns

See latest update below

The playground at Carisbrooke’s Victoria Recreation Ground was closed by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council at the start of the bank holiday weekend.

Nestled in an area sandwiched between several primary schools, half-term visitors have been arriving at the park to find the gates locked.

Victoria Recreation Ground playground (Image: IWCP)

The park was closed due to the potential risk of injuries and trip hazards for users and will not reopen until repairs are completed.

A spokesperson from the community council said: “There has been some damage sustained to some of the equipment, possibly vandalism. We cannot say for sure."

The wet pour, which surrounds several pieces of equipment, has also been damaged.

"This would likely not have been accidental or through general wear and tear," the spokesperson added.

Victoria Recreation Ground playground (Image: IWCP)

The community council is in contact with the manufacturer for replacement parts and an Island contractor about repairing the wet pour.

There is currently no timescale for when the playground will be reopened.

The spokesperson said: “We will, of course, try for this to be as soon as possible, given the importance of play facilities to local children and families.”

UPDATE 9.40am: Newport-based MCM Construction have fixed the wet pour, the community council is waiting to receive replacement parts to complete the equipment repair.

The playground remains closed.