GRANDPARENTS from Evesham have criticised the district council for closing a children's playground in the Easter holidays.

Brian and Sheila Barton of Clyde Avenue were annoyed to find the Cotswold Rise play area closed and workman painting the equipment when they took their grandchildren to play.

Mr Barton, 65 said: "It irritates me that someone at the council can simply do this during the children's holidays."

Mrs Barton, a grandmother of four, said: "Having a play area that is safe and near home makes it easier for us. It seems a silly time to be doing work during the holidays."

Lynn Stevens, parks officer for Wychavon District Council said: "We try and time the work to be carried out when the children are at school. The paint work had started to flake and the decision to carry out the work was done for safety reasons rather than convenience."