A KIDLINGTON play park has been forced to close for at least two weeks while safety checks are carried out on the equipment.

The play area in Cromwell Way, which backs onto the Thames Valley Police headquarters, is shut after an independent audit found that checks on two pieces of equipment were not up to date.

A sign has been put on the play area's gates by Gosford and Water Eaton Parish Council telling people about the closure.

Council chairman Maurice Billington told the Oxford Mail that a new safety check would be carried out in two weeks time.

He said: "Because of the health and safety concern we cannot take the risk if there are going to be children around."

He added that the whole park had been closed to ensure that children would not accidentally use the equipment.

Parish council clerk Fern Sprengler said members of the public had been made aware of the closure, but admitted it was "not ideal" to have to shut the park during the school holidays.

If any residents have any queries about the closure they are asked to ring the council office at Exeter Hall on 01865 373691.