Drug addicts and young thugs have been blamed for spoiling children's fun by forcing a playground to close.

The facility had to shut after needles and other tell-tale signs of drug use and underage drinking were discovered in the play area in Bradford Drive, Colchester.

Play equipment was also vandalised and broken.

The playground - built as part of the Northern Approach estate - has now been chained up to keep people off.

Local councillor Anne Turrell said: "It's a shame. Some residents moved here because the play area was there, but now there is nowhere to take their children."

Community leaders hope the playground will reopen when Colchester Council takes over the running of the estate from developers.

Another scheme to give children something to do could be up and running soon, if it gets the go-ahead from residents.

The council has £20,000 to spend on a small play area on nearby Maximus Drive.

A meeting about the plans takes place at Colchester Rugby Club, in Mill Road, on Saturday, at 11am.

Mrs Turrell added: "Myland is short of things for children to do, but if this is all agreed it could be up and running in the spring."