Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has closed part of a new £800,000 play park in Omagh after receiving reports of misuse at the park by local young people.
The Grange Play Park in the Co Tyrone town opened in October of last year but the council has now erected a safety perimeter around the park's feature tower structure.
"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has regrettably recently received reports of children and young people misusing the two feature tower structures in the Grange Play Park, Omagh," a council statement said.
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"The Council has engaged with the equipment supplier and sought additional health and safety advice and has regrettably taken the decision to temporarily close these items of equipment until appropriate and proportionate mitigations can be put in place to ensure the continued safety of all park users.
"Unfortunately, in recent weeks it appears that a number of children/young people have decided to use the equipment in a way that was not intended, potentially placing themselves and other play park users at risk of injury. "
No date has been provided as to when the park will fully reopen, but the council hopes to provide more information 'in the near future'.
"The Council is working closely with the Contractor to implement effective and timely measures to ensure an exciting, fun and safe play experience for the many children and young people who have visited the play park since it re-opened last October," the statement added.
"Council staff have installed a secure safety perimeter around the signature towers and appreciates the cooperation of parents and families during the period of additional works. Many of the other play pieces, such as the inclusive play equipment and sensory garden remain open and accessible."
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