Childrens Play Area Fenced Off For Being 'Too Colourful'

A children's playground in the Cotswolds has been fenced off for six months after locals argue it is too brightly coloured for the area, leaving local children dismayed.

A children's playground in the Cotswolds has been fenced off while local residents argue whether it is too brightly coloured.

The play area was a major attraction to families when they moved to the area, with some paying up to £500,000 for properties on the estate Corinium Via estate.

But when the play area was completed last summer a handful of locals complained that the size and colour scheme of the playground were not "in keeping" with the area.

Developer Redrow Homes erected a metal fence around the site and vowed to re-paint the swings and climbing frames, which are primarily red, green and blue.

But the area has remained sealed off ever since - and Redrow is now seeking planning permission to change the colour scheme and re-locate some of the equipment.

Elizabeth Lloyd, 33, who lives opposite the park, said her four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter are desperate to play on the equipment.

She said: "People have complained that it was too brightly coloured and not in keeping with the local colour scheme.

"Redrow offered to take it away and paint it dark green. Then people started complaining it was too big and that it could distract drivers going past.

"It's ridiculous, the only people complaining are people who don't have children.

"My husband and I bought our house specifically because it was going to overlook the park, but I'm sick of staring at an iron fence."

Shelleigh Bailey, 39, who lives nearby, said she blames snobbery in the affluent area.

"Someone's complained about it being too bright," she said. "I would understand it if it was some cheap metal play park, but it's actually very nice.

"I think it's not seen as 'Cotswolds' enough. It's a shame for the kids because they have waited a long time to play on it."