WOOD chips covering a revamped children’s play area have had to be dug up because they do not meet health and safety laws.

The chips were laid at Heather Close play park in St Peter’s, Worcester, earlier this month during scheduled improvement work by Worcester City Council costing £30,000.

But the contractor that supplied the ground chips has now been forced to remove them and refund the £2,000 it charged the council after the finely chopped, recycled wood material failed a safety check.

The problem only came to light about four weeks ago when resident Michael Arnold, of Jasmine Close, spotted the chips, describing them as a “carpet of wood splinters.”

He contacted the city council with his concerns, arguing the material was not safe for youngsters who would use the park and the material was removed.

Mr Arnold also reported the matter to the health and safety executive.

The play area has been shut to the public since last year as it awaited the long overdue refurbishment, including new play equipment which cost the council £25,000 to supply and instal.

Ian Yates, city council parks and cemeteries manager described the play area as “old and tired” but added there were other play areas “in walking distance” for St Peter’s residents while Heather Close had been closed.

He said the council stuck by its decision to choose the recycled wood chip material and still thought it was the right choice, but had been let down by “poor supply”. He said: “It’s caused a lot of hassle. It’s a shame because we were motivated by spending less money on the ground material so we could spend more on the play equipment.

“The budget is £30,000 and that’s what we want to spend.”

He said the opening of the play area would be delayed by four to six weeks while the wood chips were removed and replacement material ordered. Any new order would go to a different contractor.

He said: “I am looking for compensation from the contractor.”

He went on to say the HSE “was satisfied” the city council had not been at fault.