Youngsters in Colchester have been left disappointed after a playground was forced to close because it was uninsured.

The doors to the play area in Bradford Drive, Mile End, mysteriously shut three weeks ago.

It has since emerged that developer Taylor Wimpey has not bought public liability insurance to cover it and has decided to close it.

Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) said:“They need to get their finger out, get it fixed and get it open.”

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “Unfortunately there have been some minor issues with regard to the fencing enclosing the play area, which we are currently looking to resolve to ensure it meets the insurance criteria.

“We apologise to local children and their parents for the temporary closure of the facility, but this is in the interests of their full safety.”