PARISH councillors discussed broken timbers at the Area 51 play area in Power Park, St Peter’s, during a meeting yesterday evening (Monday, January 5).

Some of the timbers have become rotten and St Peter’s Parish Council is hoping to get replacements put up for free, considering the relatively short period of time since the original installation.

Councillor Michael Johnson, vice-chairman, explained that an on-site meeting had taken place and two timbers were removed.

He said that the materials are under warranty for 15 years but “we are going to have to wait and see who is going to pick up the bill for installation”.

The parish council plans to develop an inspection regime for the play equipment, which will determine what work needs to take place.

Mr Johnson added that “there is not a high risk at the moment”.

Area 51 was built in the spring of 2011 and opened by the then Mayor of Worcester David Tibbutt.

It was jointly funded by the playbuilder scheme, the Worcestershire health leadership fund and the parish council.

The underlying theme of the project was developed by the children of Cherry Orchard Primary School based on the English Civil War.

The play area is owned by the parish council while routine maintenance and inspection is undertaken by Worcester City Council.