A city councillor has said young people in Warndon have been 'very poorly served for decades' after a playground in the area was found vandalised.

The play area belongs to the South Worcester Child Development Centre, and work has already begun this week to fix its broken fencing.

Worcester City Councillor Jill Desayrah, who represents Warndon, said: "My colleagues and I have been aware of issues around this play area for some time.

"It is good to see that improvements are now underway, especially since not long ago, the old fencing was damaged in a way that made it quite dangerous."

Cllr Desayrah added: "Looking forward, there are plans in progress to improve play areas across the whole of the city including Warndon.

"The first of these will be available soon on Cotswold Way. Developing more play facilities, especially for older children, will be a priority - as soon as funds and opportunities allow.

"The young people of Warndon have been very poorly served in terms of play areas for decades now and we want that to change."

RECOMMENDED READING: Warndon open door cafe in Warndon is sizzling success.

RECOMMENDED READING: Warndon Villages Summer Fete 2024 was fun for all the family.

A spokesperson for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: "We’re saddened by the vandalism seen at our children’s centre in Warndon.

"Over the past couple of years, the Trust has invested in a refurbishment of the building including the installation of a range of security provisions, designed to provide a welcoming and safe space for our staff and the families accessing our services.

"Despite these measures, we have continued to be a target of vandalism and are exploring additional measures to further enhance the security of the site.

"We currently have contractors on site installing new security fencing and have assurance that any rubbish or rubble will be removed promptly upon completion of the works.

"Once the perimeter is secure, further work will take place to repair the damaged playground."

One resident, who didn't wish to be named, said: "The play area is shocking - as if work has been started but not finished, making it dangerous.

"The park has got big potential but it's wasted, and it doesn't look like the council will do anything."