DEMOLISHING the defunct Droitwich Spa Adventure Playground looks set to cost the taxpayer £10,000.

Wychavon District Council was due to consider the future of the King George Playing Fields facility last night. (Tuesday)

Members of the authority's executive committee were recommended by officers to support a minimal care regime until September - when a final decision must be made.

The popular youth hangout closed several months ago when organisers failed to secure funding for its long-term future.

Redundant

Youth worker Dave Spicer was made redundant and the lease was surrendered back to the district council.

An information report by Wychavon's community partnership manager, Tim Deakin, said news of a rescue bid is awaited but if it fails, the cost of demolishing the dilapidated playground will need to be met by the council.

He estimates the total bill will be £10,000.

"Consideration has been given to re-opening the facility in conjunction with Evesham Adventure Playground.

"However funding is not likely to be available until at least September and it's by no means certain it can be secured," Mr Deakin wrote.

He said a Spa sports club has asked if it can build a clubhouse and two football pitches on the fields.

Anti - social

Mr Deakin revealed the building had been targeted by vandals and is proving a magnet for anti-social behaviour. He asked members to approve £300 a month for a security firm to monitor the buildings.

Councillors were due to consider Mr Deakin's report at last night, at the Civic Centre, in Pershore.

Playground chairman Peter Pinfield hopes that Evesham Adventure Playground may be able to come up with a plan. Its committee understands how costly it is to provide this kind of facility.

He said: "It frightens me to think that for the first time in 15 years, there will be no summer scheme for our children.

"There is no question about the need - it's the long term funding that's the problem."